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Dazzling Gem looks to rebound in Arkansas Derby
Dazzling Gem returns to Oaklawn for the G1 $1 million Arkansas Derby on Saturday.
Dazzling Gem shined in his first two starts for trainer Brad Cox at Oaklawn easily winning his maiden outing at 1 mile in January. That race included next out winner American Pioneer who he’ll face again on Saturday.
He followed up with a 2 length win in an allowance NW1X going 1 1/16 miles when he stalked early leader Gray Sky to win going away.
In March, he raced wide and was bumped at the 1/4 pole to finish third in the Louisiana Derby behind Gun Runner who sits atop the Kentucky Derby points leader board going into the final weekend of Derby prep races.
Dazzling Gem who currently has 20 points and ranks 25th on the board will add 100 with a win on Saturday. He’ll have a new rider in Joe Talamo who is 1 for 2 with a positive ROI of $5.30 riding for Cox who has 27% winners in graded stakes races but there’s no doubt that they’ll have their hands full facing the likes of the Rebel and Southwest winners Cupid and Suddenbreakingnews.
