Renegade, the betting favorite, delivered a powerful four-wide surge in the stretch to win the Grade 1, $1.5 million Arkansas Derby by four lengths before a record crowd of 73,000 at Oaklawn. Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Todd Pletcher, Renegade overcame a slow start from the back of the pack to dominate the 1 1/8-mile race, finishing in 1:49.70. This victory marked Pletcher’s sixth Arkansas Derby win and earned Renegade 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, boosting his career earnings past $1 million.
Silent Tactic finished second, two lengths behind Renegade, while Taptastic claimed third in just his second career start. The race featured strong early leaders Redland Rebels and Bricklin, but both faded in the stretch. Renegade, a son of Into Mischief and bred by Robert and Lawana Low, was purchased for $975,000 at the 2024 Keeneland sale and is co-owned by Repole stable and the Lows. Trainer Pletcher praised Renegade’s impressive finishing kick, signaling strong prospects for the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
