Photo By: Jeff Coady

Jeremy Rose raises his arm to the crowd as Afleet Alex nears the finish line in the Arkansas Derby

Afleet Alex had plenty of doubters after a last place finish in a field of six in the Rebel Stakes (GIII) at Oaklawn last month. All those doubts were cast aside after Saturday's Arkansas Derby (GII), when Afleet Alex powered home to an eight length victory in Oaklawn Park's key prep on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

Much like Bellamy Road's victory in the Wood Memorial (GI) the previous Saturday, Afleet Alex left his foes staggering with a powerful stretch run. However, unlike the Wood winner, who is a confirmed front runner, Afleet Alex came from off the pace to score his victory. Breaking from post six, Afleet Alex, under Jeremy Rose, broke well, settling comfortably in fifth some four lengths off the pace set by longshot Batson Challenge. Canteen, the Neil Drysdale trained maiden, was in second, with Flower Alley in third. The pace was not particularly quick; the half mile went in :47.91. Rose kept Afleet Alex in the clear, running in the three or four path, going down the backstretch. Around the far turn, Batson Challenge slowed markedly, with Canteen, Flower Alley, and Afleet Alex, who had moved up quickly, running side by side to battle for the top spot. At the top of the lane, Afleet Alex, who was under a hand ride on the turn, suddenly spurted clear, leaving the others far behind. The official chart said it best, noting that the winner, "exploded clear".

Flower Alley managed to hang on for second, 3/4 of a length in front of Andromeda's Hero, who was placed in mid-pack throughout. Real Dandy was another neck back in fourth. Greater Good finished fifth after making a mild bid in the stretch. Canteen, Rush Bay, Wild Desert, Cat Shaker, and Batson Challenge rounded out the order of finish.

With the $600,000 payday, Afleet Alex will be the leading money owner coming into the Kentucky Derby. More importantly for his owners Cash Is King Stable and trainer Tim Ritchey, the race vindicated their assertion that a lung infection found after the Rebel was what caused his poor performance. Add that to the fact that this was their colt's first win in three tries around two turns, and they have to be going to Kentucky with plenty of confidence.

Maybe more impressive than the margin of victory is that Afleet Alex came home in the last 1/8 mile in :11.74 seconds. Anything less than or near 12 seconds is considered excellent.

The 71,000 plus on-track crowd and those wagering at simulcast outlets made Afleet Alex the 2-1 favorite. He rewarded his backers to the tune of $6.80, $4.60, and $3.80. Flower Alley paid $5.20 and $4.00 to place, while Andromeda's Hero paid $6.00 to show. The $2 exacta was worth and even $36.

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