Arkansas Derby 2015 Results: Winner, Payouts and Order of Finish
The Arkansas Derby has churned out some impressive winners in past years, including Curlin (2007), Afleet Alex (2005) and Smarty Jones (2004), among others, per HorseRacingNation.com.
This year's winner, American Pharoah, a steep post-time 1-9 favorite, has a chance to continue in that tradition of winning after thoroughly dominating his competition over the 1 1/8 mile dirt track at Oaklawn Park. The Bob-Baffert-trained colt has a chance to be the favorite at next month's Kentucky Derby, and after watching him today, it's clear that he's ready to assume that role.
Behind him, Far Right and Mr. Z made their own marks on the race, finishing second and third, respectively.
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For his efforts, American Pharoah earned 100 points toward a spot in the Derby's field of 20, while Far Right and Mr. Z earned 40 and 20 points, respectively.
After such an impressive showing, it's fitting that we review what works out to be the final prep race leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
Winner and Payouts
| American Pharoah | $2.20 | $2.20 | $2.10 |
| Far Right | -- | $2.80 | $2.40 |
| Mr. Z | -- | -- | $3.80 |
Recap
Predictably, Mr Z broke first out of the gate, but Bridget's Big Luvy broke out to lead American Pharoah and Mr. Z by a full length through the first quarter in 22.77 seconds.
Bridet's Big Luvy tried to run away with the race early, but was reeled in well by Angel Cruz before relinquishing his lead to American Pharoah.
Moving two-wide up the outside, American Pharoah, ridden by Victor Espinoza showed impressive kick at the top of the stretch, opening up to a one-length lead over Bridget's Big Luvy. After that, there was no turning back, and the Pioneerof the Nile Colt rode off to an absolute romp of a victory, with a tie of 1:48.52.
Behind him, Far Right ran a respectable second, with Mr. Z rounding out the second- and third-place finishers.
Truth-be-told, nobody had a chance to beat American Pharoah today, and it was quite apparent early on that he was rank. Outclassed and outgunned, Far Right (the second favorite) and Mr. Z finished a distant second and third.
Twitter went crazy over American Pharoah's impressive victory.
According to Marcus Hersh of the Daily Racing Form, it was the fastest victory seen in the Arkansas Derby since Sir Cherokee in 2003.
Moving forward, we could see all three horses make appearances in the Derby, but again, American Pharoah could be the horse to beat in this year's 141st Run for the Roses. Between he, and Dortmund, Bob Baffert is going to be tough to beat at Churchill next month.
Final Order of Finish
| 1 | American Pharoah | 1-9 | Bob Baffert | Victor Espinoza |
| 2 | Far Right | 7-1 | Ron Moquett | Mike Smith |
| 3 | Mr. Z | 20-1 | D. Wayne Lukas | Ramon Vazquez |
| 4 | Madefromlucky | 16-1 | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez |
| 5 | Bold Conquest | 28-1 | Steven Asmussen | Luis Quinonez |
| 6 | Win The Space | 35-1 | George Papaprodromou | Kent Dexormeaux |
| 7 | The Truth or Else | 27-1 | Kenneth McPeek | Calvin Borel |
| 8 | Bridget's Big Luvy | 38-1 | Jeremiah Englehart | Angel Cruz |
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