Arkansas Derby Contender Spotlight: Farmington Road

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Trainer Todd Pletcher will saddle Farmington Road on Saturday in search of his record sixth victory in the 2nd division of the $500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.

Following a pair of lengthy defeats while running in one-turn races, Farmington Road broke his maiden at third asking on January 12 at Tampa Bay Downs while making his two-turn debut. Pletcher sent him straight to the top of the division when he entered him in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds, where he finished fourth under Javier Castellano, who retains the mount here.

Farmington Road’s most recent start came in the Oaklawn Stakes on April 11, his second consecutive time going 1 1/8 miles. If not for drifting inward in the lane, the Quality Road colt may have won, but he settled for second, beaten just a 1/2-length in the slop.

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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):