A field of 12, led by runaway GII Rebel S. winner Cupid (Tapit), was entered Wednesday for Saturday's renewal of the GI Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. Cupid, who shipped into Arkansas from Bob Baffert's California base Wednesday, was installed the 2-1 morning-line favorite after drawing post 10.
“I haven't seen Cupid regress,” Baffert said. “He's come back [from the Rebel] well. He's worked well. He went an easy half-mile [Tuesday in :48.20], so he looks ready. I like what I saw. Martin [Garcia] is excited about the race and so am I.”
Cupid's win in the Rebel assured he has enough points to earn a start in the May 7 GI Kentucky Derby, but Baffert will look for the lightly raced gray to take another step forward when stretching out to nine furlongs in Oaklawn Saturday before making plans for a trip to Louisville.
“He needs to run well,” Baffert explained. “He needs to run the same race that he did the last time to be competitive. At a mile-and-an-eighth is when they separate themselves pretty well.”
Local contender Whitmore (Pleasantly Perfect), second behind Cupid in the Rebel, is second choice on the morning line at 9-2. The chestnut gelding will break from post eight. Third choice on the morning line at 5-1 is GIII Southwest S. winner Suddenbreakingnews (Mineshaft), who drew post four.
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