Race Recaps Magnum Moon Monstrous In G1 Arkansas Derby April 14, 2018 Race Recaps Magnum Moon Monstrous In G1 Arkansas Derby April 14, 2018 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article HOT SPRINGS, AR – Robert and Lawana Low’s Magnum Moon maintained his spotless record with a monstrous performance in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, becoming only the 11th horse in 43 years to win both the Arkansas Derby and the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. Breaking from post 6 as the 4-5 favorite under Luis Saez, Magnum Moon beat Quip to the lead heading into the first turn, then set splits of :23.34, :48.60, and 1:13.39. With Quip looming up to his right hip as they entered the far turn, Saez still sat chilly aboard his steed, waiting until he had a 2-length lead at the top of the stretch to let him go. When he did, Magnum Moon suddenly shifted out into the seven-path (possibly spooked by the starting gate), though with such a lead built up, he was far enough in front didn’t impede or interfere with any foes. Once Saez straightened him out, Magnum Moon exploded with force, surging to the wire to win by 4 lengths in a final time of 1:49.86 for the 1 1/8-mile dirt event. “I thought there was going to be a little speed,” Saez said. “We were in a good position (and) he broke really sharp. I’m not going to choke him, I am just going to stay there, and he was very comfortable into the turn; he was traveling pretty good. When I came to the stretch, I felt like he was looking at the gate marks, so when we got there, I touched him a little, and he went.” Luis Saez celebrates after winning the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby aboard Magnum Moon (Credit: Coady Photography) A four-way photo finish for second was ultimately awarded to Quip, with Solomini taking third by a head over Combatant, and Tenfold a neck further in fifth. Plainsman took sixth ahead of Dream Baby Dream, while Beautiful Shot and Machismo completed the order of finish. The Arkansas Derby is part of the Road to the 2018 Kentucky Derby prep race season. Magnum Moon earned 100 points for the win, with Quip receiving 40 for second, Solomini 20 for third, and Combatant 10 for fourth. Owner Robert Low holds aloft the trophy for winning the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby (Credit: Coady Photography) Magnum Moon’s victory was his fourth in as many career starts, all in 2018, for trainer Todd Pletcher. The 3-year-old son of Malibu Moon has now earned $1,177,800 and will likely be a close second in Kentucky Derby betting favoritism behind the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby winner Justify. “I thought it (his race) was very good,” Pletcher said. “Very pleased with the outcome. A little concerned that he drifted out the last part, but it looked liked he sort of halfway thought about jumping over the tire marks when he went by the 1/8 pole where the gate was and sort of skipped over those. I think he was maybe just drifting away from that. Aside from that, I thought he finished with good energy and was pulling away from some nice horses. He showed his versatility. He’s won a number of different ways now, and I think he’s proven that he’s the kind of horse that doesn’t need the race to unfold a certain way, that he’s able to kind of make his own race.” Magnum Moon returned $3.60 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.40 to show. Quip brought back $4.40 to place and $3.40 to show, while Solomini paid $2.60 to show.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Prep Picks: Florida Derby & Arkansas Derby | Blinkers Off 712 The Racing Dudes preview the two major 2025 Kentucky Derby… Read More
Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby, and Sweet 16 PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 232 Aaron and Papa Dude give their picks for the Arkansas… Read More
Louisiana Derby 2025 Preview and Saturday Rapid-Fire Picks | Blinkers Off 711 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the $1… Read More
Fair Grounds Preview & FREE Pick 5 Bets | The Magic Mike Show 584 The Magic Mike Show guys preview Fair Grounds Race Course… Read More
March Madness BRACKET Reaction & PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 231 Aaron and Papa Dude react to the NCAA men’s basketball… Read More
Get Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial & Santa Anita Derby Picks in Betting Bible Get the 2025 Blue Grass Stakes Betting Bible, featuring the EXACT race-by-race wagering… Read More
Blue Grass Stakes Picks and Preview 2025 | Kentucky Derby Prep Race Aaron previews the 2025 Blues Grass Stakes at Keeneland &… Read More
Santa Anita Derby Picks and Preview 2025 | Kentucky Derby Prep Race Aaron previews the 2025 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita… Read More
Wood Memorial Picks and Preview 2025 | Kentucky Derby Prep Race Aaron previews the 2025 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct & gives… Read More
Field of Seven Set for Saturday’s 101st Running of the $1.25 Million Toyota Blue Grass LEXINGTON, KY – WinStar Farm, CHC Inc., Pantofel Stable and Wachtel… Read More