David Slays Goliath in Arkansas Derby

Southern California invader Line of David, fresh off a pair of wire-to-wire turf route wins, went straight to the front and never gave up the lead in a surprising neck victory in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.

Super Saver tracked the pace throughout and outfinished Dublin for the place. Uh Oh Bango rallied for 4th and was followed by beaten favorite Noble's Promise, New Madrid, Berberis, Pulsion, and Northern Giant.

Todd Pletcher's Super Saver drew the rail and figured to go for the lead, but Jon Court and Line of David had other ideas. The winner carved out fast splits of :22.65, :46.26, 1:10.75, and 1:36.52. The son of Lion Heart completed his nine furlong journey in 1:49.37 and rewarded his backers with $36.60. He picked up a cool $600,000 for his efforts.

John Sadler was the winning conditioner, and Line of David joins fellow speedy stablemate Sidney's Candy in the Kentucky Derby.  

Super Saver and Dublin seemed to have dead aim on the winner in the stretch, but neither was able to muster the energy to roll on by. The top three figure to move on to the first Saturday in May.