National Park, begins its second century of racing on Friday with the first of
55 live racing programs. The 101st season at Oaklawn Park will offer a record
$4.1 million stakes schedule, including the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2),
which produced last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) winner, Smarty
Jones. The Arkansas Derby also wraps up the prestigious Racing Festival of the
South, which takes place from April 9-16.
Smarty Jones became only the second horse to achieve the unique triple of the
Rebel S., Arkansas Derby and Kentucky Derby last season, and some promising
three-year-olds are being pointed toward this year’s events at Oaklawn. Hopeful
S. (G1) winner AFLEET ALEX (Northern Afleet), who finished second in the
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and a finalist for champion two-year-old honors,
and undefeated Remsen S. (G2) hero ROCKPORT HARBOR (Unbridled’s Song), are among
the sophomores expected to compete locally. The latter is certain to be a fan
favorite with the same trainer/jockey (John Servis/Stewart Elliott) as Smarty
Jones.
The $250,000 Rebel, which received Grade 3 status this year, will be run March 19.
Three-year-olds will also be in the
spotlight in the one-mile, $100,000 Southwest S. on February 19. The opening-day feature
is a 5 1/2-furlong sprint for foals of 2002, the $50,000 Dixieland S., and a
field of 10 has been entered. CHEROKEE PATH (Cherokee Run) and STORMY BUT CRAFTY
(Storm and a Half) are among the leading contenders.
The Racing Festival of South gets underway on April 9 with two important
races, the $500,000 Apple Blossom H. (G1) and $500,000 Oaklawn H. (G2). The
former is an early season destination for the best distaffers in training and
was captured the last three years by the recently retired Azeri. The Oaklawn H.
traditionally features top older horses, including Bobby Frankel-trained winners
Medaglia d’Oro and Peace Rules the last two years, and was mentioned recently as
a return spot for another Frankel trainee, 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1)
winner GHOSTZAPPER (Awesome Again).
The $250,000 Fantasy S. (G2), for three-year-old fillies, $150,000 Count
Fleet Sprint H. (G3) and $100,000 Fifth Season S. (G3) will also be held during
the Racing Festival of the South.
Daily average purses will exceed $250,000 for the first time during the 2005
meet, and Friday’s 1ST race post time is 1 p.m. (CST). Starting January 28, post
times will revert to the traditional 1:30 p.m., with exception of Saturdays and holidays.
There will be a special noon post time on Arkansas Derby Day.
Cole Norman and John McKee, the leading trainer and jockey during last year’s
Centennial meet, are considered favorites to take home top honors again this
season.