Caddo River to Target Arkansas Derby
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Photo: Coady Photography
Caddo River wins the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park
Trainer Brad Cox March 16 said Shortleaf Stable's Caddo River came out of a fifth-place finish in the March 13 Rebel Stakes (G2) no worse for wear and will be pointed to the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) for 3-year-olds April 10 at Oaklawn Park.
"He came out of the Rebel really well. We're going to take a long look at the Arkansas Derby. It's Plan A," Cox said. "We'll leave him at Oaklawn and breeze him twice for the race. He's looking good."
The Arkansas Derby could wind up as a rematch between Caddo River and the unbeaten Concert Tour, who won the 1 1/16-mile Rebel by 4 1/4 lengths.
Caddo River, a speedy homebred son of Hard Spun , was the 6-5 favorite in the Rebel and broke from the rail, but Concert Tour was away quicker and grabbed the early lead, forcing Caddo River to chase in second.
A front-running 10 1/4-length winner of the Smarty Jones Stakes in his previous start, Caddo River eventually dropped back in the final furlong to finish fifth, 6 3/4 lengths behind the Bob Baffert-trained Concert Tour.
The Arkansas Derby will award 100-40-20-10 qualifying points toward a start in the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) to the top four finishers.
Caddo River is currently 24th on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 10 points.