Arkansas Derby Contender Spotlight: King Guillermo

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Victoria’s Ranch’s King Guillermo will try to pull off another major score when he exits the barriers in Saturday’s 2nd division of the $500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.

King Guillermo debuted in a 5 1/2-furlong event over the Gulfstream Park main track but was defeated over 11 lengths as the 6/5 favorite. Trainer Juan Avila transitioned him to the turf for his next two starts, and the Uncle Mo colt responded by breaking his maiden, then finishing third in the Pulpit Stakes.

Absent for three months, King Guillermo made his initial 2020 start back on dirt in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), which he won by 4 3/4 lengths at 49/1 odds – a price that bettors will likely not see anything remotely close to here. Samy Camacho will pick up the mount for the second straight race.

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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):