This weekend, the Derby Trail and the Oaks Trail both draw to a close.  Over at Picks and Ponderings, I look at the pair of marquee three-year-old preps in Hot Springs: the Fantasy Stakes (G3) and the Arkansas Derby (G1).

Friday’s card at Oaklawn features the Fantasy Stakes.  The race drew a competitive field of twelve — there has not been anyone like Farrell, Miss Sky Warrior, Paradise Woods, or Unique Bella in Arkansas this year, so the Fantasy is wide open.

Saturday, Oaklawn features the $1 million Arkansas Derby.  It’s do or die for Classic Empire, an intermediate distance goal for Malagacy…and ten others hope to spoil the party.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my previews of the Fantasy Stakes and Arkansas Derby, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!