Skip to content Skip to footer

Arkansas Derby-Grade 1

ARKANSAS DERBY-GRADE 1 (OAKLAWN) April 1, 2023

Winner: ANGEL OF EMPIRE (Classic Empire-Armony’s Angel)

Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Flavia Prat
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables
Distance / Time: 1 1/8 miles 1:49 3/5 Track Fast
Win Margin: 4 ¼ lengths.

Wizard’s Track Bias: None
Wizard’s Pace Analysis: Lively
Wizard’s Strength of Race: 2.5 / 5
Wizard’s Reflection:

With the exception of the winner ANGEL OF EMPIRE, I’m not interested in any other horse out of the Arkansas Derby as a potential Kentucky Derby contender. The steadily improving Angel of Empire was tons the best of a weak field. I liked the way he rated in 7th position in the early going racing wide down the backstretch. When Prat called on him to commence his rally on the far turn, Angel of Empire responded right on cue, picking up horses one-by one. He easily took command at the top of the lane and steadily drew off to a convincing 4 ¼ length victory. Angel of Empire gives me every impression that he should be able to handle the stretch out to 1 ¼ miles in the Kentucky Derby. He will be facing stiffer competition than what he confronted on Saturday. 

58-1 shot KING RUSSELL rallied for 2nd. Considering he was coming off a hard-fought maiden win by a neck in his prior start earning a 78 Beyer number, that does not bode well for the strength of this field and for those who finished behind him. REINCARNATE, ROCKET CAN and RED ROUTE ONE, the first 3 betting choices, were never a threat to the winner. I’m not interested in any one of those 3 as Kentucky Derby contenders.

Leave a comment

Not sure if you believe in the Wizard yet?

Get a Saturday pick free!

If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so. It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly. Wizard Race and Sports does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality. Wizards Race and Sports disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it. As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Wizard Race and Sports.

Wizard Race and Sports Inc. © 2023.  All Rights Reserved.

Get Notified!

SIGNUP TODAY