Horse Racing News is the source of thoroughbred racing information with horse racing odds, betting tips, racing picks, race results, and handicapping. Latest news and articles on top horse racing contenders, jockeys, trainers, three-year-olds, race tracks, and major stakes races such as the Triple Crown races: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes as well as the Breeders' Cup horse races.Gayego Wins 2008 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park
Posted on Saturday, April 12th, 2008
Gayego held off Z Fortune to win the $1 million Arkansas Derby , one of the final major prep races for the 2008 Kentucky Derby, on Saturday, April 12, at Oaklawn Park.
Solidifying his credentials as one of the legitimate 2008 Kentucky Derby contenders, Gayego was racing on a dirt track for the first time after running on Santa Anita Park’s synthetic surface in his last three races.
The surface had little effect on Gayego, who was near the front for the entire 1 1/8 miles in a race in which quick fractions were set. Finish time of Gayego in the Arkansas Derby is 1:49.63.
“My horse showed he could handle the dirt,” winning jockey Mike Smith said, “and he also showed me that he will have no problem getting the mile and a quarter in Louisville.”
Trained by Paulo Lobo, Gayego paid $6.40, $4.40 and $3.80. Z Fortune, conditioned by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Robby Albarado, paid $7.40 and $6. Tres Borrachos under jockey Tyler Baze returned $14.80 to show.
The Arkansas Derby has been a stepping stone for several big names in the horse racing industry. Arkansas Derby winners include 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin who went on to win the Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup; Afleet Alex (2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner); and Smarty Jones (2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners).
Indian Sun came in fourth in Oaklawn Park’s Arkansas Derby followed by My Pal Charlie, Isabull, Golden Yank, Blackberry Road, King’s Silver Son, Jazz in the Park, Ablaze With Spirit, Liberty Bull and Shekinah. Victory Pete was scratched.
"Gayego Wins 2008 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park" was posted on Saturday, April 12th, 2008 at 7:07 pm and is filed under Horse Racing Industry, Horses, Oaklawn Park, Race Tracks News, Stakes Races, USA Horse Racing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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