Galilean out to secure Kentucky Derby spot after Coolmore purchase share

Preview: USA, Saturday (12.43am, Sunday BST)

Oaklawn Park: Arkansas Derby (Grade 1) | 1m1f | 3yo | dirt

On the same day USS Michigan fluffed his lines for the Kentucky Derby when beaten at Chelmsford, owners Coolmore secured a stake in another candidate for the US Classic when buying a share in Galilean.

His new co-owners will get a first chance to test their investment on Saturday, when the son of Uncle Mo, a $600,000 purchase at the breeze-up sales last year, takes on nine others in the $1 million Arkansas Derby, a race won by 2015 US Triple Crown hero American Pharoah.

A general 33-1 shot for the Kentucky Derby on May 4, Galilean (Jerry Hollendorfer/Flavien Prat) finished third behind Long Range Toddy and Improbable, who are in opposition again on Saturday, in the Rebel Stakes at the same course last month.

Terry Finley, CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds, who purchased Galilean with Denise Barker and William Sandbrook, said: “We are immensely gratified to have Coolmore join us in the ownership of Galilean as he looks to lock down a spot in the Kentucky Derby.”

Galilean was on Friday a 12-1 with bet365 for the Arkansas Derby, which provides 100 points to the winner in the qualifying for the 20 starting positions in the Kentucky Derby.

Improbable (Bob Baffert/Jose Ortiz), who has won three of his four races, looks the one to beat, and on Friday headed bet365's market at 5-4. Omaha Beach and Long Run Toddy were also prominent in the betting, at 3-1 and 100-30.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app