Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass Stakes

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When it comes to securing a starting spot in this year's Kentucky Derby, money talks. With the Derby looming large on the horizon, graded stakes earnings are becoming crucial to some prominent contenders. This weekend's $1 Million Arkansas Derby and $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes offer several Derby hopefuls their last chance to make the cut. The Arkansas Derby is expected to draw a full field of 14 and the Blue Grass will go with 12 runners, its largest field since 1983.



Saturday's Blue Grass has several starters with Derby aspirations that require a lucrative performance. Tropical Park Derby winner Cowboy Cal and Monba, unplaced in the Fountain of Youth after a troubled trip, are two that need help. Big Truck, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby, and Gotham Stakes winner Visionaire hold precarious positions on the graded earnings list and could lose their priority if others advance.
Gayego, who finished second in the Gr. 2 San Felipe Stakes in his last start, desperately needs a top placing in the Arkansas Derby to qualify for the main event in Kentucky.

Late Derby nominee Hey Byrn, who finished an encouraging fourth behind Big Brown in the Florida Derby, looks to increase his graded bankroll when he takes on five rivals in Saturday's Gr. 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Fountain of Youth runnerup Elysium Fields and Peruvian Gr. 1 winner Tomcito, thirdin the Gr. 1 Florida Derby in his U.S. debut, will use the Gr. 2 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 19 as their last chance to secure a berth in the Derby.

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