Derby News

Curlin may have stamped himself as the favorite for the Kentucky Derby with a record smashing 10 ½-length triumph in the $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby (Grade 2) at Oaklawn Park.

The 3-year-old son of Smart Strike completed the 1 1/8-mile distance over a "fast" track in 1:50.09. He was ridden by Robby Albarado and paid $3.60, $3, and $2.40 as the 4-5 favorite in the field of nine. Storm in May got up to be second and paid $12.60 and $6.20. Deadly Dealer tired to be third under jockey John Velazquez and paid $3.60 to show.

Delightful Kiss closed from last to finish fourth and was followed under the wire by Going Ballistic, Flying First Class, Officer Rocket, Slew by Slew, and Olympic Chief. The field was reduced to nine with the scratch of For You Reppo by trainer Helen Pitts.

As expected, Deadly Dealer rocketed from the outside post to secure the early lead and he led the field through fractions of :23.56 for the first quarter-mile and :47.89 for the first half-mile. Curlin was content to track the leader from a couple lengths back as they clicked off six furlongs in 1:12.64. Approaching the stretch, Curlin was set loose by Albarado and turned on the afterburners in the stretch to draw off to win by a record margin of 10 ½-lengths.

Curlin may have stamped himself as the favorite for the Kentucky Derby when his dominating win is considered along with the defeats of Great Hunter and Street Sense in the Toyota Blue Grass (Grade 1). Owned by a partnership that includes Stonestreet Farm, Padua Stable, George Bolton and Midnight Cry Stable, the Steve Asmussen trainee was a tepid 6-1 favorite heading into Saturday's wagering, but saw fan support strengthen and his odds plummet to 7-2 following his overpowering Oaklawn victory.

History looks to be standing in Curlin's way as he attempts to wear roses in three weeks. The only time the winner of the Kentucky Derby had only three prior starts was in 1915 when Regret, a filly, took the race to remain undefeated. Even more daunting, no horse has won the Kentucky Derby without the benefit of a race as a 2-year-old since Apollo in 1882.

Curlin ran his record to a perfect three-for-three which includes a win in the Rebel (Grade 3) last time out. His career bankroll now stands at $802,800 after collecting $600,000 for his Arkansas Derby romp.

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