HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Two Bob Baffert-trained horses top the field for the $1 million Arkansas Derby, with Bodemeister the favorite Secret Circle the second choice in a field of 11 3-year-olds.
Rebel Stakes winner Secret Circle was made the 5-2 second choice behind 9-5 favorite Bodemeister at Wednesday post position draw.
Bodemeister will be ridden by Mike Smith, who recently won his 5,000th race. Secret Circle, who also won the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park in February, will be under Rafael Bejarano.
Todd Pletcher also has two entries with Stat and Raconteur. Trainer Dale Romans is bringing Cozetti for the major prep race before the Kentucky Derby on May 5.
Jon Court has won the Arkansas Derby the past two years, and will be aboard trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ Optimizer.
