Arkansas Derby G1 Race 12 at Oaklawn Park

April 1, 2023

Gates Open at 11:00 AM

The Arkansas Derby G1, a major prep for the Kentucky Derby, will be held at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, April 1, 2023. The race will be run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles on the dirt and will offer a purse of $1 million. Probable participants are: Reincarnate, Epicenter, Barber Road and Un Ojo.

The Arkansas Derby has been a major prep for the Kentucky Derby since 1936. The race was first run in 1931 and has been won by several notable horses, including Curlin (2007), Smarty Jones (2004), American Pharoah (2015) and Omaha Beach (2019).

The 2023 Arkansas Derby is expected to be a competitive race. Several top contenders are expected to enter the race, including Reincarnate, Epicenter and Barber Road. Reincarnate is the current favorite after winning the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park in March. Epicenter is another top contender after winning the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course in February. Barber Road is also a contender after winning the Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack in February.

The Arkansas Derby is one of the most important races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The winner of the race will receive 100 points towards qualifying for a spot in the Kentucky Derby. The second-place finisher will receive 40 points, and the third-place finisher will receive 20 points. The Arkansas Derby is a major opportunity for horses to earn points and qualify for the Kentucky Derby. The 2023 Arkansas Derby is expected to be a thrilling race with several top contenders. The winner of the race will be a major contender for the Kentucky Derby.