Oaklawn Park

Greg Wolf & Sara Elbadwi take a look back at the Arkansas Derby and the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn.

Rallying from behind a blistering pace set by Speed King and Cornucopian, Sandman outkicked fellow closer Publisher to capture the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. 

For a 3-year-old to win a race like the Kentucky Derby (G1) or Kentucky Oaks (G1) it needs to be an improving, maturing runner as May approaches. Shortleaf Stable's Quietside checks both of those boxes.

Banishing, a 5-year-old gelded son of Ghostzapper, also delivered the first graded stakes win for his co-owner Larry Roman and became the first stakes winner for his dam, Dowager.

Rallying from behind a blistering pace set by Speed King and Cornucopian, Sandman outkicked fellow closer Publisher to capture the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. 

Greg Wolf & Sara Elbadwi look ahead to the Arkansas Derby and Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

The connections of Coal Battle hope his Oaklawn Park story comes to a satisfying conclusion March 29 as he faces eight rivals in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1).

A class drop and an opportunity to race a shorter distance suggest FMQ Stables' Saudi Crown will be a force in the $500,000 Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G3) March 29 at Oaklawn Park.