ark derby

Las Vegas - Normally, the first Saturday in May is the spot for the Kentucky Derby, which has been held UNINTERRUPTED since 1875. Yea, EIGHTEEN SEVENTY FIVE! It has been postponed but NEVER cancelled. The 1945 Derby was the 71st running and the race was scheduled on the first Saturday in May, originally for May 5, 1945. However, with Germany's surrender imminent, the race took place on June 9, 1945. If you're interested, the great Eddie Arcaro booted Hoop Jr. across the finish line by six lengths on a sloppy, muddy Churchill Downs track. Once again, the "most exciting two minutes in sports," will be moved in this topsy-turvy year, back to September 5th. So put your mint juleps on ice, and freeze your giant pot of Kentucky Burgoo (a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables).

But do not despair, we actually have some LIVE horse racing, and it comes to us from Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. REAL races for real dollars, and of course that means some words of wisdom from my real horse racing guy, Martin Calia.

Marty, you're UP!

'No Kentucky Derby, but we do have a Derby race today, the Arkansas Derby. They will be races 11 and 13 on the card, split into two divisions, with the Oaklawn Handicap sandwiched between in race 12.

Here's a taste of Oaklawn Park Race 11.
I have to be honest and feel that Bob Baffert will put on a show today. He sends out undefeated Charlatan in the first division. He is the even money favorite going from post position one. Simply put, he is the fastest horse in the race. He earned Beyer and Equibase speed ratings of over a 100 in both his starts. He is working bullets and Baffert has him ready to roll. Oh and by the way, Baffert is 6 for 11 at Oaklawn. My bet is $50 win on # 1 - Charlatan and a $5 exacta wheel, #1 with all the rest.

Here's a look at Oaklawn Park Race 13.
Baffert sends out the undefeated Nadal. He is the 5/2 favorite starting from post 5. He is a speed horse who likes the lead and that is a good thing at Oaklawn. If you can get the lead and stay on the rail, that's usually a winning strategy. Nadal, like Charlatan, has been working bullets and is ready to go. My bet is $50 win on # 5 - Nadal and a $5 exacta, wheeling #5 with all the rest.

I'm also going to bet a pick three with races 11, 12 and 13 for $5, and go with the three Baffert horses.
Charlatan in race 11, Improbable in race 12 and Nadal in race 13.

Good luck and stay safe.'

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