Classic Empire earns spot in Kentucky Derby with victory

Classic Empire charged from outside through the stretch to win the $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and clinch a spot in next month’s Kentucky Derby.

Classic Empire caught Conquest Mo Money just shy of the wire and won by a half-length.

Conquest Mo Money also advanced to Churchill Downs, picking up 40 points in the final Kentucky Derby prep race. Malagacy, with Classic Empire the pre-race favorite, finished fifth but already had earned enough Kentucky Derby points to move on to the May 6 race.