Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion Fort Larned Readies For Saturday’s Oaklawn Handicap

After arriving on the charter flight from Florida on Monday, Fort Larned was out on the Oaklawn strip on Tuesday morning under regular exercise rider Kate Merritt and the defending Breeders’ Cup Classic champion acclimated well as he prepares for the $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on Saturday.

“He went out to stretch his legs and everything is good. He took to the track real good and he got over it fine,” said trainer Ian Wilkes. “He’s doing very well and I’m very pleased with him.”

In his first start back from his Breeders’ Cup triumph, Fort Larned stumbled at the start of the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap (G2) and unseated regular rider Brian Hernandez, Jr., who was unhurt. Fort Larned and his jockey have won three graded stakes together and they will be reunited on Saturday.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (SUN BELT) - In appreciation of five consecutive Sun Belt Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships having taken place in the city of Hot Springs, the Sun Belt will host "Hot Springs Appreciation Night" during the men's tournament semifinals on Sunday, March 10.

Residents of the city of Hot Springs will receive $5 tickets for the men's semifinal session by showing proof of residency. The Sun Belt Conference will also be offering $1 youth tickets throughout the entirety of the tournament.

Hot Springs Mayor Ruth Carney will be present and honored prior to the 6 p.m. game, while staff members of Summit Arena and the Hot Springs Convention Center along with Hot Springs community leaders will be honored during halftime of that game.

All Or Nothing Derby Shot Likely for Heaven’s Runway

An unexpected entry, a rolling thunderstorm and a wet track combined to give Heaven’s Runway a surprising third-place finish behind Super Ninety Nine in Monday’s Southwest Stakes (G3), but those unique circumstances are tempering any Derby Fever among his connections. The 3-year-old colt will likely make an all-or-nothing play to get into the Kentucky Derby (G1) by racing next in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn April 13.