We have some high class action stateside this weekend where the Arkansas Derby has been divided into two divisions at Oaklawn Park.
Each division will award 170 points en route to the Kentucky Derby, which has been pushed back to September. This race for previously scheduled for early April but it was changed to this weekend in light of the news at Churchill Downs.
Bob Baffert’s unbeaten colt Charlatan is a warm order for the opening division. Nothing has got close to this son of Speightstown in his two career starts and we will find out just how good he is on Sunday.
In the second division, the five-time Kentucky Derby winner also trains the even money favourite Nadal. Just like Charlatan, this impressive colt is yet to be defeated in two events; though he brings much stronger form to the table having already landed a Grade2.
All eyes will be on the Triple Crown winning yard as they bring another two potential superstars through the ranks.
The $1million prize Oaklawn Handicap also takes place on the same card with Dale Roman’s Mr Freeze currently heading the market at 7/2.
We will have a preview for the meeting available this weekend.