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Arkansas Derby Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 28)

By · Updated 5 hours ago

A key weekend on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set, with the biggest race on Oaklawn Park’s schedule headlining their card on March 28. You can find the odds and our Arkansas Derby picks here.

Arkansas Derby: How to Watch

  • When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 7:48 PM ET
  • Where: Oaklawn Park, Arkansas
  • How to Watch: FanDuel TV

Arkansas Derby Odds

HorseOdds
Renegade-110
Silent Tactic+275
Blackout Time+450
Litmus Test+475
Bricklin+1800
Redland Rebels+2500
Taptastic+3300
Exosome+6600

Race Information & Records

StatInformation
Race Distance1 1/8 Miles
Purse$1,250,000
Most Successful TrainerBob Baffert, Todd Pletcher (5)
Most Successful JockeyPat Day, Mike Smith (3)
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points100-50-25-15-10

ALSO SEE: Goodyear 400 Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 22)

Arkansas Derby: Recent Winners

YearHorseJockeyTrainer
2025SandmanJose OrtizMark Casse
2024MuthJuan HernandezBob Baffert
2023Angel Of EmpireFlavien PratBrad Cox
2022CyberknifeFlorent GerouxBrad Cox

Race Preview

The G1 Arkansas Derby has been a key race in helping find the winner of the Kentucky Derby, with American Pharoah becoming the latest to achieve the double in 2015. Smarty Jones (2004) also achieved the feat.

Renegade will be a red-hot favorite for this weekend’s race for trainer Todd Pletcher. The son of Into Mishief took his form to the next level last time out when besting Wayne’s Law and The Puma to land the Sam F. Davis Stakes. He was second in the G2 Remsen last year behind Paladin, and that form looks strong.

Silent Tactic is a fascinating contender this weekend after finishing second by a nose in the G2 Rebel Stakes last time. This step up in distance will suit his stamina pedigree, and only helps his case that the re-opposing Litmus Test was five lengths further back.

Blackout Time and Litmus Test were both well beaten in the G2 Rebel. However, the former could be the most interesting of the contenders after showing plenty of ability during his juvenile campaign, including when second behind Ted Noffey in the G1 Futurity. Could have needed that return run to build fitness.

Arkansas Derby Picks

The G2 Rebel Stakes has been a key prep to indicate the leading hope in the G1 Arkansas Derby. Therefore, Silent Tactic is preferred to get his nose in front for Mark Casse this weekend, with the low-draw likely to aid his chances.

Free Pick:

Alex Dudley
Contributor Alex has covered huge sporting events for various websites and publications. He has attended football European Championships, Rugby League and Union World Cups, and the Paralympics. Alex is dedicated to giving the most insightful tips for VegasOdds readers and specialises in horse racing, soccer, golf and basketball.