Arkansas Derby Contender Spotlight: Finnick the Fierce

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Arnaldo Monge and Rey Hernandez’s Finnick the Fierce will try to see his way back to the winner’s circle in Saturday’s 2nd division of the $500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.

Finnick the Fierce, who lost his right eye in a paddock accident as a youngster, saw instant success when he debuted with a 5-furlong victory at Indiana Grand last June. He ended 2019 with a narrow, 3/4-length defeat in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) in the slop while rounding two turns for the first time.

Finnick the Fierce reemerged at Fair Grounds for the start of 2020, finishing fourth in the Lecomte Stakes (G3) and seventh in the Risen Star Stakes (G2). Most recently, the gelded son of Dialed In crossed second in a sloppy local allowance event but was placed first after the winner, Winning Impression, was disqualified.

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The Arkansas Derby is a Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race awarding a total of 170 points to the top four finishers. The winner will receive 100 points, with 40 going to second, 20 to third, and 10 to fourth.

Here is the full field for the 1st division of the Arkansas Derby (click on each horse’s name to read an exclusive preview):