Taking advantage of a pace meltdown, Sandman launched a sharp rally around the far turn at Oaklawn Park to win the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) in decisive fashion.

Coal Battle and Cornucopian are leading contenders in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby, a major Kentucky Derby qualifier, and Kentucky Oaks prospects will square off in the $750,000 Fantasy Stakes

Despite ending his two-year-old season on a sour note in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), East Avenue is expected to produce a far better effort, perhaps a winning one, in the $500,000 Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Two Road to the Kentucky Oaks events are on tap Saturday, and the unifying theme is Juddmonte bluebloods stepping up from debut maiden wins.

Last year’s Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner Saudi Crown got back to his winning ways in Saturday’s $100,000 Tenacious S. at Fair Grounds.