Ky. Derby trail: Reincarnate is early favorite for Arkansas Derby

Reincarnate was made the early favorite for Saturday’s Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at 5-2 on the morning line.

The 1 1/8-mile race offers 100-40-30-20-10 qualifying points for Kentucky Derby 2023 to the top five finishers.

Reincarnate is a Good Magic colt trained by Tim Yakteen after being transferred from Bob Baffert’s barn ahead of the Rebel (G2), where he finished third behind Confidence Game and Red Route One. Before that, he won the Sham (G3). He drew post position No. 8 in the field of 11 and will be ridden by John Velazquez, who was aboard in the Rebel.

Red Route One, trained by Steve Asmussen, is the second choice on the morning line, at 3-1. He is looking for his first win since breaking his maiden in September. The Gun Runner colt is 0-for-5 since, though he also finished second in the Southwest (G3). He drew post 10 and will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.

Rocket Can, at 4-1, was runner-up to Forte last out in the Fountain of Youth (G2). Before that, the Into Mischief colt trained by Bill Mott won the Holy Bull (G3). He'll break from post 7 with Junior Alvarado riding.

Risen Star (G2) winner Angel of Empire, trained by Brad Cox, has won three of five career starts and is listed at 9-2 on the morning line. He drew post 6, and Flavien Prat will ride.