Curlin in No. 2 spot for Arkansas Derby

Unbeaten Curlin is the morning-line favorite for Saturday's Arkansas Derby, the last of Oaklawn Park's three Kentucky Derby prep races.

Curlin has only two career starts, but both were impressive victories. The chestnut colt won last month's Rebel at Oaklawn by 5 1/4 lengths, following a 12 3/4-length romp in his debut at Gulfstream Park in February.

He is an early 7-5 favorite for this weekend's 1 1-8-mile race. He received the No. 2 spot in Wednesday's draw, and trainer Steve Asmussen expects a tougher test this time.

"We're dealing with a horse that's never had a piece of sand in his face yet," Asmussen said. "It will be surprising if he's on the lead in this race."

The $1 million Arkansas Derby has had some notable winners in recent years, including Smarty Jones in 2004 and Afleet Alex in 2005. Last year, Lawyer Ron swept Oaklawn's prep series, winning the Southwest, Rebel and Arkansas Derby.

No horse has dominated like that this year. But Curlin, with Robby Albarado aboard, has a chance to make an impact in this weekend's 10-horse field.

"Curlin was very impressive in the Rebel. He had an excellent trip. He got set outside the pace," said Bob Holthus, who trains Officer Rocket, a 6-1 shot Saturday. "We're hoping that we'll be able to stay within six, seven lengths of him and make a run when we're ready."

Deadly Dealer is the second choice at 4-1. Trainer Todd Pletcher's horse has won two straight starts but will race from the outside in the No. 10 spot.

Flying First Class is at 8-1. He was thought of as a Kentucky Derby threat for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, but his stock is down after an eighth-place finish in the Rebel.

The Arkansas Derby field, from the rail out: Delightful Kiss (10-1), Curlin, Officer Rocket, Going Ballistic (12-1), Flying First Class, Storm in May (15-1), Olympic Chief (50-1), Slew by Slew (20-1), For You Reppo (6-1) and Deadly Dealer.