Add a pair of recent Oaklawn winners for trainer Kenny McPeek to the list of early probables for the $1.25-million Arkansas Derby (G1) April 1.
McPeek said unbeaten Mendelssohns March and Interlock Empire will both “probably” run next in the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby, which is Oaklawn's fourth and final Kentucky Derby points race.
Mendelssohns March (2 for 2) overcame traffic to clear his first allowance condition at 1 1/16 miles in his March 9 local and dirt debut. Interlock Empire, at odds of 17-1, broke his maiden by five lengths at one mile March 11 at Oaklawn.
“Mendelssohns March has been ultra-impressive in the morning and in the afternoon,” McPeek said. “Interlock Empire's race the other day was a pleasant step forward for him. He was shot out of a cannon the last part there, and I like that (jockey) David Cabrera was able to get him to relax and finish like he did. It's a little ambitious, but it seems to me the Arkansas Derby's pretty well wide open at this point. You only get so many shots. I think there's 1.25 million reasons to try.”
The Arkansas Derby will offer 200 points to the top five finishers (100-40-30-20-10, respectively) toward starting eligibility for the Kentucky Derby.
Post positions for the Arkansas Derby will be drawn March 27.
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