Arkansas Derby 2019 - Handicapping Picks, Predictions & Odds

The third and final leg of the 3-year old prep series for the Kentucky Derby is the Arkansas Derby that will run a distance of 1 1/8 miles or 9 furloughs on Saturday April 13 at Oaklawn Park. The race has been contested each year dating back to 1936 and five Kentucky Derby winners have come from the Arkansas Derby including Smarty Jones in 2004. A field of 11will lineup up at the post on Saturday, with improbable at 8 to 5 and Omaha Beach at 2 to 1 the two favorites and Long Range Toddy a close third at 5 to 1.

One hundred Kentucky Derby points (100-40-20-10) will be up for grabs on Saturday at the Derby, which means the winner and the runner-up are almost assured of being in the field at Churchill Downs the first Saturday of May. Thoroughbreds trying to win Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont often race in the Arkansas Derby. Over the last 15 years, nine winners of one of the legs of the Triple Crown have won the Arkansas Derby, including Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in 2015.

Free Betting Pick - #8 Country House (12/1)

Last time out Country House was green down the stretch and was just not enough in the Risen Star but really think the jockey change to Rosario will be enough to win at long-shot odds this time out. Trainer Bill Mott has said that the extra pace in this race will be perfect for one big run from Country House and at big odds.

$100 Win / Place / Show - #8 Country House $10 Exact Box - #8 Country House, #3 Omaha Beach, #11 Long Range Toddy $1 Trifecta Wheel - #8 Country House, #3 Omaha Beach with #8 Country House, #3 Omaha Beach with ALL