Curlin Draws No. 2 in Arkansas Derby Field

Unbeaten horse, Curlin, was made the morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, a vital Kentucky Derby preparatory race.

Curlin has only two career starts, the chestnut colt won last month’s Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn by 5 lengths, this following a 12 3/4 -length win in his debut at Gulfstream Park in February.

He is an early 7-5 favorite for this weekend’s 1 1-8-mile race. He received the No. 2 spot in Wednesday’s draw, and trainer Steve Asmussen expects a tougher test this time.

“We’re dealing with a horse that’s never had a piece of sand in his face yet,” Asmussen said. “It will be surprising if he’s on the lead in this race.”

The $1 million Arkansas Derby has had some notable winners in recent years, including Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones in 2004 and Afleet Alex in 2005. Last year, Lawyer Ron swept Oaklawn’s prep series, winning the Southwest, Rebel and Arkansas Derby.

Arkansas Derby Race Entries, Post Position, Jockeys, and Odds:

Post Horse Weight Jockey Odds
1 Delightful Kiss 118 Russell Baze 10-1
2 Curlin 122 Robby Albarado 7-5
3 Officer Rocket 122 Luis Quinonez 6-1
4 Going Ballistic 122 M. Clifton Berry 12-1
5 Flying First Class 118 Terry Thompson 8-1
6 Storm in May 122 Juan Leyva 15-1
7 Olympic Chief 118 Gen Kato 50-1
8 Slew by Slew 122 Don Pettinger 20-1
9 For You Reppo 118 Kent Desormeaux 6-1
10 Deadly Dealer 118 John Velazquez 4-1
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"Curlin Draws No. 2 in Arkansas Derby Field" was posted on 11 April 2007 8:03 PM under Horses, Kentucky Derby, Race Tracks, Racing Picks & Betting Tips, Stakes Races, Triple Crown

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