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2020 Arkansas Derby Predictions with Morning Line Betting Odds


by Raphael Esparza - 4/30/2020

American Pharoah, racehorse

This Saturday, at an empty Oaklawn Park, is the 84th running of the Arkansas Derby, one of the Kentucky Derby prep races in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Last year at the Arkansas Derby we saw Omaha Beach grab the lead on the backstretch to capture the win over Improbable on a sloppy track.

This year, the Arkansas Derby will run not one, but two 11-horse, $500,000 division races to close out the Oaklawn Park meet. Each division will carry the full 170 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. And don’t forget, the Kentucky Derby was rescheduled for Saturday, September 5.

The Arkansas Derby has produced only four Kentucky Derby winners overall. However, 69 Arkansas Derby runners have made the Run for the Roses since 1997. One of the most famous Arkansas Derby winners, of course, is American Pharoah, and it seems like just yesterday when the eventual Triple Crown winner won that race.

Saturday’s Arkansas Derby features two 11-horse divisions, and these 1 1/8 mile races are going to be very entertaining. Each division (Arkansas Derby) will be led by an undefeated horse from the barn of Bob Baffert. Could Baffert go undefeated Saturday in both Arkansas Derby races? That’s the million-dollar question, and I can’t wait to watch and bet! A handful of horses could hit the board. And… let’s face it, points are needed in this race if you want to go to the Derby in early September.

Here are the highlights of the field (Odds are the morning line track odds).

Race 11 – Arkansas Derby (G1) – Division 1

1 1/8 Miles – 3 Year Olds – Purse: $500,000

  1. Charlatan (1-1)
  2. My Friends Beer (20-1)
  3. Mo Mosa (30-1)
  4. Gouverneur Morris (9-2)
  5. Jungle Runner (30-1)
  6. Shooters Shoot (8-1)
  7. Wrecking Crew (20-1)
  8. Anneau d’Or (6-1)
  9. Winning Impression (15-1)
  10. Crypto Cash (20-1)
  11. Basin (8-1)

Race 13 – Arkansas Derby (G1) – Division 2

1 1/8 Miles – 3 Year Olds – Purse: $500,000

  1. Finnick the Fierce (15-1)
  2. Saratogian (50-1)
  3. Storm the Court (6-1)
  4. King Guillermo (3-1)
  5. Nadal (5-2)
  6. Code Runner (50-1)
  7. Silver Prospector (10-1)
  8. Fast Enough (12-1)
  9. Taishan (15-1)
  10. Farmington Road (12-1)
  11. Wells Bayou (7-2)

By the luck of the draw, the second division is the stronger one, and both favorites will be tough to beat with shorter fields. The weather on Saturday will be nice. And if speed holds, look for Saturday’s card to be interesting and hopefully profitable.

Raphael Esparza is one of the best handicappers in all sports. This weekend Esparza will have plays from Horse Racing, Taiwan Baseball and soccer. New clients can take advantage of  Doc's no-hassle $60 free picks offer and get Esparza's weekday picks 

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