The $500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) is the major Triple Crown prep race at Oaklawn Park. A field of 13 three-year-olds went to post before 62,634 fans at the historic Hot Springs oval, under sunny skies and temperatures in the 70's. The 14-1 shot set the early pace under jockey Terry Thompson but weakened late to finish third beaten 4 1/2 lengths. The D. Wayne Lukas trainee improved his record to 2 wins, 1 second, and 3 thirds in 10 starts, earning $73,631 for owners Robert C. Baker and William L. Mack.
J P's Gusto went to the lead and set a fast pace of 22.54, 46.53, and 1:11.22 while 2 lengths in front of Dance City second, who in turn was a length in front of The Factor third. On the far turn, J P's Gusto tired as Sway Away, 5th early, came through to take a short lead over Dance City at the 1/8 pole, getting 1 mile in 1:36.18. Archarcharch, 10th early and wide throughout, closed late to win, holding off Nehro by a neck in 1:49.34 over the fast track. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to Dance City third, while The Factor tired late to finish 7th. There was a stewards' inquiry into the stretch run due to some bumping between Dance City and Sway Away, but the result stood.
