Arkansas Derby Contender Spotlight: Jungle Runner

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Calumet Farm homebred Jungle Runner is one of two stakes winners seeking a third big score in Saturday’s 1st division of the $500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.

Jungle Runner broke his maiden at third asking at Remington Park, then returned a month later to win the Clever Trevor Stakes. However, he failed to hit the board in three subsequent starts, finishing fourth in the Springboard Mile Stakes, eighth in the Smarty Jones Stakes, and fifth in the Mine That Bird Derby.

Steve Asmussen gave Jungle Runner time off following the Mine That Bird Derby in February and removes the blinkers for this start. The Candy Ride colt attracted the services of Tyler Baze, who has won 14% from 183 mounts with Asmussen.

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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):