Arkansas Derby

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

The richest Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race in the United States will be held at
Oaklawn Park on Saturday, when nine colts vie in the $1 million Arkansas Derby
(G1).

We love the progression DUBLIN (Afleet Alex) has shown in his two starts this
season and give the D. Wayne Lukas pupil a big chance at bringing down the top
prize on this day. A winner of the Hopeful S. (G1) as a freshman, the strapping
colt had two eventful trips leading into this and could be ready for a big
showing with clear sailing. The midpack runner should get an honest tempo at
which to run under Terry Thompson, and he could be the one with his best.

We’ve been hoping that PULSION (Include) would spring forward to the upper tier of sophomores by now, which he hasn’t, but we’re willing to
give the colt one more chance in what should be his peak race. Trained by
Patrick Biancone, the Grade 1-placed colt missed some time early in the year so
we’re willing to forgive his poor showing in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) in
his three-year-old bow, and we’ll look at his effort in the Florida Derby (G1),
in which he dueled on the lead throughout, as a fitness race to prepare for
this. We could be wrong, but if the colt moves forward and gets a fast pace to
run at, he could be in the mix at big odds beneath Corey Nakatani.

Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) victor SUPER SAVER (Maria’s Mon) drew the rail
and will likely try to use his early speed en route to a win in this event for
Todd Pletcher. The talented sophomore was recently third in the Tampa Bay Derby
(G3) in a fine 2010 debut, and the Kentucky-bred should be ready for a forward
move on this day. We expect the bay to be pressed early, put away his pace foes
and try to hang on late under Calvin Borel. We would have had more confidence if
Pletcher’s go-to pilot, John Velazquez, came in for the ride.

The consistent and accomplished NOBLE’S PROMISE (Cuvee) answered some
questions about his stamina with a huge runner-up performance in the Rebel S.
(G2) in his sophomore debut last out for Ken McPeek. The Grade 1 star has yet to
finish worse than third in his career, with five of those coming in stakes
competitions, and he scorched a bullet five-eighths in preparation of this run.
The bargain purchase should be in touch with the field throughout with Robby
Albarado.

NORTHERN GIANT (Giant’s Causeway) is much improved for Lukas and has the look
of a possible exotics player at long odds in this one. A close third in the
Risen Star S. (G3) preceded a clear second in the Lane’s End S. (G2) for the
improving colt, who might get overlooked under Victor Espinoza.

Stakes hero UH OH BANGO (Top Hit) ran a respectable fourth in his seasonal
debut in the Rebel last out and could improve, although we’d still prefer his
usage in the gimmicks only. Turf hero LINE OF DAVID (Lion Heart) could add speed to the fray but would be
a big surprise in his dirt debut for John Sadler. Maiden winners NEW MADRID (Rock Hard Ten) and BERBERIS (Southern Image) look
in deep.