The ultra-consistent Race Day colt Barber Road closed to hit the board in four consecutive Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races at Oaklawn Park, earning placings in the Smarty Jones [2nd], Grade 3 Southwest [2nd], Grade 2 Rebel [3rd] and Grade 1 Arkansas Derby [2nd].
The John Ortiz trainee closed from last-of-20 and 19 lengths off the pace under Reylu Gutierrez to finish sixth in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 7 at Churchill Downs, finishing just 4 3/4-lengths in arrears of 80-1 upset winner Rich Strike.
Barber Road, who is the first Belmont Stakes starter for Ortiz, will be piloted by two-time Belmont Stakes-winner Joel Rosario.