Curlin Wins Arkansas Derby by a 10.5 length Rout

Curlin produced a dazzling 10½-length win in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. A fantastic feat for a horse who did not run as a 2-year-old is 3-for-3 – by a combined 28½ lengths – and may be the most exciting Kentucky Derby contender of all.

The last horse to win the Derby with just three stars was the filly Regret in 1915; the last Derby winner who did not race as a 2-year-old was Apollo in 1882.

Even so, Curlin soars into the Top 10 for the first time at No. 4. Trainer Steve Asmussen, 0-for-5 in the Derby, expects his latest contender to be the favorite.

“I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t the favorite going in,” the trainer said. “He’s beating them easy, and everybody loves that.”

Curlin was purchased for a reported $3 million for a partnership that includes Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, George Bolton and Midnight Cry Stables. The colt won the Rebel Stakes by 5¼ lengths in his second start after breaking his maiden by 12¾ lengths at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 3.

Arkansas Derby winners have fared well in Triple Crown races recently – Smarty Jones won the 2004 Derby, and Preakness and Afleet Alex won the 2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

2007 Arkansas Derby winners, results and payouts

2 Curlin Albarado R J 3.60 3.00 2.40
6 Storm in May Leyva J C 12.60 6.20
10 Deadly Dealer Velazquez J R 3.60

Scratched: For You Reppo

Also ran: Delightful Kiss, Going Ballistic, Flying First Class, Officer Rocket (GB), Slew by Slew and Olympic Chief

Winning Trainer: Asmussen Steven M – Owner: Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, Bolton, George and Midnight Cry Stables

$2 Exacta (2-6) Paid $59.00

$1 Trifecta (2-6-10) Paid $97.30

$1 Superfecta (2-6-10-1) Paid $396.80

$1 Pick 4 (PREMIER P4 8-2-9-2/9) 4 Correct Paid $3,132.70 Pick 4 Pool $598,863

Curlin was 12-1 odds to win Kentucky Derby 2007 on the Future Book 3.

tags: Curlin, Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Park, Kentucky Derby

"Curlin Wins Arkansas Derby by a 10.5 length Rout" was posted on 17 April 2007 6:47 AM under Kentucky Derby, Stakes Races

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