9Simply Joking

Blue collar hero Coal Battle and the dazzling maiden winner Cornucopian are the leading horses of interest ahead of the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.

Running Away, a granddaughter of 2005 Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly, ran herself into the Oaks picture in the Busanda at Aqueduct. Later at Fair Grounds, Simply Joking dominated the Silverbulletday.

Godolphin’s Good Cheer, the likely favorite for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), turned in her most serious work to date Thursday morning at Churchill Downs with a five-furlong breeze in a sharp :59.40, the fastest of 10 at the distance.
The...