As Road to Kentucky Derby Reaches Arkansas for the Weekend, Horse Racing Community Anticipates a New Winner in the Series

The Road to Kentucky Derby is currently one of the most exciting series in the horse racing industry. The rush to claim the points and an ultimate spot at the ‘fastest two minutes in sports’ has the industry greats’ eyes fixated on the proceedings. Today as the Derby nears by a prep race with a showdown at Arkansas, the enthusiasts eagerly await their next victor.

The Arkansas Oaklawn Hot Springs on Saturday will welcome the month’s last of the Kentucky Derby prep races. The Grade II Rebel Stakes will hold a value greater than before with 50 points up for grabs. As equines line up in hopes, one might have secured the attention better than the others: Timberlake.

A race for self and expectations

Ever since Timberlake’s speculated presence at the Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes, a buzz has followed the 5-race starter rather well. Owning to a fourth-place finish at Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and a victory in Grade 1 Champagne Stakes, the 3-year-old to no surprise stands to own the ‘favorite’ position. With that, if Timberlake were to win the Stakes on Saturday, he would solidify his position on the road to the Kentucky Derby and meet the expectations of numerous.

“He’s been pointing for this race, he’s doing well,” said trainer Brad Cox, according to Horse Racing Nation. Furthermore, Timberlake holds the hopes for being the only Grade 1 winner in the race on Saturday. “Timberlake is a deserving favorite because he’s the only Grade 1 winner in the field,” rival trainer, Ron Moquett says. He also added, “I think this is sneaky good race, and there are several in here that can win it.” While the future holds the true results, the early odds do not shy away from predictions.

Timberlake looking good on Road to Kentucky Derby

In the month’s Kentucky Derby prep race, 3-year-old Timberlake stands at 6-5 odds a day ahead of the weekend showdown. Though analysts suspect the horse’s odds may decrease, he still holds advantages over his rivals. In his last winning race in October, Timberlake finished four lengths ahead of the runner-up. His performance at the Breeders’ Cup further solidified his standing, earning him the best last race figure at 98. Thus, his performance advantage, coupled with a fairly distributed field, would offer an upper hand to the Cox-trained horse.

Also Read: Controversies in the Kentucky Derby – Events That Put a Shadow on the Biggest Horse Race of the Year

Right behind him will be Time For Truth, Lagynos, Just Steel, and Norther Flame. Apart from these names, Timberlake will go against 8 other equines at 5:23 p.m. CET on the 24th of February. The Champagne Champion, who currently stands 13th on the Kentucky Derby Series standings, will witness a catapult to the top if he were to best his rivals on Saturday.

Read More: Horse Racing Icon White Abarrio Eyes Saudi Cup After Breeders’ Cup Triumph