Arkansas Derby Contender Spotlight: My Friends Beer

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Designated Hitters Racing’s My Friends Beer will hope to continue his upward trend in Saturday’s 1st division of the $500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.

My Friends Beer failed to find the winner’s circle in four starts last season, but in the very first race at any American track in 2020, he claimed victory by nearly 3 lengths. Three straight on-the-board finishes followed, including a second in the Private Terms Stakes, with each effort earning the Stay Thirsty colt a higher Beyer speed figure than the race prior.

Last time out, Jerry O’Dwyer sent My Friends Beer to Oaklawn Park for his first start away from Laurel Park, where he had compiled a record of 7-1-3-1. Though no match for the winner, he put forth a late rally under Declan Cannon to take third while going a mile. Stretching out an additional furlong should be well within his wheelhouse.

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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):