In yet another Kentucky Derby prep race upset, Archarcharch took the lead in deep stretch and held off Nehro to win the $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby (gr. I) by a desperate nose at Oaklawn Park.
Patiently ridden by Jon Court, the son of Arch sat about mid-pack early as J P's Gusto set a quick early pace. In second was Dance City, while the 4-5 favorite The Factor sat in third. Also up close was Saratoga Red.
On the far turn, Dance City and The Factor made there bids for the lead on the outside of J P's Gusto. Sway Away too was poised on the outside, just waiting to make his bid for the lead.
Turning for home, The Factor began to tire, and quickly dropped out of contention. Dance City put away J P's Gusto and Sway Away and began to kick clear. Suddenly, Archarcharch appeared on the outside. With ground-devouring strides, he passed Dance City and appeared to be on his way to an easy victory.
But then Nehro entered the picture. On the extreme outside he charged home, closing a huge amount of ground under Corey Nakatani. But his late run fell a nose short, as Archarcharch held him off to win the race at odds of 25-1.
Dance City stayed on well to finish third, followed by Sway Away. The Factor, who never seemed to be comfortable while rating off the lead, tired to finish off the board.
-Keelerman
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