Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Trainer Steven Asmussen and owners have proved that they have not given up on our very own Harlocap, bred by Breed First. The three year old colt by Justify out of Mezinka is entered to run in the $ 1.25 million Arkansas Derby (Gr. 1) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, April 1st. This is the 33rd official prep race on the road to the Kentucky Derby 2023 and the final one being held at Oaklawn Park. The one and one eighth mile race drew a field of eleven three year olds all competing for the 100-40-30-20-10 points that will go to the top five eligible finishers. Historically, this race has shown to be the proving point for several horses that have gone on to be quite impressive, including Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah and Curlin (Preakness winner, Belmont Stakes runner-up). Harlocap is going to break from post three out of the field of eleven with multiple graded stakes winning jockey Ricardo Satana, Jr. in the saddle. Santana is known most recently for being aboard Echo Zulu when she finished second in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, as well as being at the reins for Fire At Wills Breeders’ Cup win in 2020 and Mitole Breeders’ Cup victory in 2019. It has also been a very successful race for Asmussen, who was been victorious four times; the two most recent with Satana in the irons. Let’s hope with the success Asmussen and Satana have had in this race, and the promise Harlocap has shown us in the past, that the colt can bring home a victory! Post time is set for 7:50 PM (EST).