HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Trainer Bob Baffert hopes to once again capture an important race at Oaklawn Park on Saturday when he sends out favorite War Academy in the $1 million Arkansas Derby.
A Baffert-trained colt, Bodemeister, won the Kentucky Derby prep race last year, and the Californian guided horses to three straight wins at Oaklawn’s Rebel Stakes before D. Wayne Lukas’ Will Take Charge snapped that streak last month.
War Academy, who has only had three starts this year, is one of two Baffert horses in Saturday’s race and both are among the top picks. War Academy was made a 2-1 favorite after drawing the second gate Wednesday, and Den’s Legacy is at 6-1 from the fifth gate.
Lukas’ Oxbow was made a 5-2 choice.
