Hot Springs, AR
Creator and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. swept past the field to take the Grade I Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park Saturday evening.
The 3-year-old split through traffic and busted out of the pack to take the lead for good down the stretch.
Creator was well back throughout the 1 1/8 mile race, but kicked clear late, showing no problem passing tiring horses through the lane.
Pacesetter Gettysburg and Cupid helped setup the race for the closers, with quick fractions of :22, :46, and 1:10 for the distance.
Suddenbreakingnews also came from back of the pack to finish a clear second, with Whitmore rounding out the trifecta in third.
Race favorite Cupid never officially made the lead and was no factor at the end of the race finishing in 10th place.
Creator returned $25.20 to win and completed the race in a final time of 1:50.
All of the top three finishers made up substantial ground, and are expected to continue on the road to the Kentucky Derby.