Timberlake to Return to Oaklawn for Arkansas Derby

Trainer Brad Cox said March 19 that Timberlake will return to Oaklawn Park for the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1), with stablemate West Omaha headed to the $750,000 Fantasy Stakes (G2). The March 30 races are Oaklawn's final major preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), respectively. "That's about all we have right now," Cox said, referring to Timberlake and West Omaha. "That's two good ones to have. I like them both." Timberlake notched his first career victory around two turns in the 1 1/16-mile $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2) Feb. 24 at Oaklawn. The Rebel marked the 3-year-old debut for Timberlake, who completed 2023 with a victory in the $500,000 Champagne Stakes (G1) Oct. 7 at Aqueduct Racetrack and a fourth-place finish in the $1.82 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) Nov. 3 at Santa Anita Park. Timberlake was a two-length winner of the Rebel, which, dating to 2021, marked Cox's seventh victory in Oaklawn's last 15 Kentucky Derby points races. Timberlake was also under consideration for the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes (G1) April 6 at Keeneland. "I like the timing," Cox said. "Obviously, has the experience there now, that one run under him. Kind of thought the Rebel was the spot when we were getting started. At the beginning of the winter, we thought the Rebel was the spot. It worked out." Cox didn't reveal who would ride Timberlake in the Arkansas Derby, a race the trainer won in 2022 with Cyberknife and again last year with Angel of Empire. No trainer has won Oaklawn's Arkansas Derby three consecutive years. Timberlake has been based this winter at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The Arkansas Derby will offer 200 points to its top five finishers (100-50-25-15-10, respectively) toward starting eligibility for the Kentucky Derby. Other horses pointing to the Arkansas Derby include grade 3 winner Mystik Dan for trainer Kenny McPeek, grade 3 winner Liberal Arts (Robert Medina), Just Steel (D. Wayne Lukas), and Time for Truth (Ron Moquett). Mystik Dan hasn't started since an eight-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile $800,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) Feb. 3 at Oaklawn. Just Steel and Liberal Arts finished second and third, respectively, in the Southwest. Just Steel returned to finish a disappointing seventh in the Rebel. After scratching from the Rebel because of a minor shin injury, Time for Truth was an entry-level allowance winner in his two-turn debut March 2 at Oaklawn. Cox is seeking his third victory in the 1 1/16-mile Fantasy after winning the race in 2018 with Sassy Sienna and last year with Wet Paint. West Omaha won the $145,500 Silverbulletday Stakes at one mile and 70 yards Jan. 20 at Fair Grounds before finishing third as the favorite in the $400,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) Feb. 24 at Oaklawn. West Omaha has been based at Oaklawn since the 1 1/16-mile Honeybee. "We always try to participate in the Fantasy," Cox said. "We've had a little luck in the race and, hopefully, it will continue with this filly there and she can continue her march toward the Kentucky Oaks." Other horses pointing for the Fantasy include Lemon Muffin (Lukas) and Midshipman's Dance (Robertino Diodoro), first and fifth, respectively, in the Honeybee. Unbeaten 2023 champion 2-year-old filly Just F Y I is under consideration for the Fantasy, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said March 16. The Fantasy will offer 200 points to its top five finishers (100-50-25-15-10, respectively) toward starting eligibility for the Kentucky Oaks.