The $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park is a critical race for SMARTY JONES (Elusive Quality) and several others in this field with Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations. Graded stakes earnings will likely decided the field for this year's Run for the Roses and both Smarty Jones and PURGE (Pulpit), the first and third choices, respectively, on the morning line, don't have any. Both horses, like some others in this field, will likely have to finish second or better in order to be more or less assured a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.

The Arkansas Derby has traditionally been the most wide-open of the final Derby preps and has rewarded backers with such bombs as Sir Cherokee (2003, $113.20), Graeme Hall (2000, $38.40), the infamous Valhol (1999, $62.80) (who was disqualified after the race to seventh but still paid out), and Rockamundo (1993, $218). As usual, it is the last leg of the Big 3 Pick 3.

Unlike all the other three-year-olds this year, Smarty Jones has done absolutely nothing wrong. The John Servis trainee is undefeated in five career starts and looked absolutely brilliant winning the 1 1/16-mile Rebel S. The chestnut stalked Purge under a hold through fractions of :23 2/5, :24 1/5 and :24 2/5 before easily taking the lead at the top of the stretch. What was so impressive about the performance is that he came home in :24 and :6, which, in our opinion, was probably the best performance by any three-year-old so far this year. So, despite his outside post, we're going to look for Smarty Jones to continue his winning ways and go to Louisville with a decent chance to take home the $5 million Oaklawn Centennial Bonus.

SHADOWLAND (Distant View) was advancing along the rail around the far turn before getting stopped cold in the Louisiana Derby (G2). The Ralph Nicks trainee was full of run and found himself behind a wall of horses before trying to go through a hole that wasn't there. After that, Pat Day did the right thing and let him gallop in. At 8-1 on the morning-line, Shadowland is our price-play special. Note Day gave up the mount on Limehouse (Grand Slam) in the Blue Grass S. (G1) in order to ride here.

Given the history of this race, we like the Turfway Park-based TRICKY TABOO (Mazel Trick) as our longshot special. The bay came alive with the addition of Lasix, winning a one-mile allowance race by 7 1/2 lengths before finishing a game second in the Lane's End S. (G2). In the latter, he was hung wide on both turns before closing determinedly to miss by just 1 1/2 lengths. By a horse who Bobby Frankel called the best horse he's ever trained, Tricky Taboo could light the board at juicy odds.

The Todd Pletcher-trained Purge won his first two impressively before setting the pace and holding on gamely for second in the Rebel. He figures to be in the mix early and makes his first start without blinkers so that he can eyeball the competition. Purge, who gets a rider change to Cornelio Velasquez, figures to be tough to get by.

The next three -- BORREGO (El Prado [Ire]), PRO PRADO (El Prado [Ire]) and MR. JESTER (Silver Deputy) -- are all legitimate contenders.

Borrego, runner-up in both the Louisiana Derby and the Sham S., figures to come running late from off the pace. He should be considered for all exotic wagers. Pro Prado, trained by local Bob Holthus, finished third in both the Southwest S. and Rebel and could fire late for a share with a clear outside trip. Risen Star S. (G3) runner-up Mr. Jester was in a good spot before fading in the Rebel but has trained well since and could factor with a return to form.

HARVARD AVENUE (You and I) finished a good third in the San Felipe S. (G2) and could sneak into the exotics at a price. The Doug O'Neill trainee picks up weight and would need a break-through effort in order to continue down the Kentucky Derby trail. Turf Paradise Derby winner MAMBO TRAIN (Kingmambo) may like the turf better and figures to get a class check here. We prefer others.

EVERY ADVANTAGE (Tactical Advantage) finished second in a small stakes at Delta Downs for new trainer Tom Amoss last out and is probably testing the waters in this spot. He's hard to recommend. HASSLEFREE (Forestry) will likely go for the early lead and force the early issue but trainer D. Wayne Lukas has been ice cold this year. He would be a surprise.

1st-SMARTY JONES
2nd-SHADOWLAND
3rd-TRICKY TABOO