Can Sandman’s bracing victory be called an upset? Not really, because he was a known, favored talent. But as a demonstration of superior tactical abilities, the race was an upset. Here’s why.

Sandman, trained by Mark Casse, took advantage of a fast pace at the start of the race to win the 2025 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, qualifying for May's Kentucky Derby at ...

Sandman took another step toward the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) with a five-furlong workout on a cloudy, windy Wednesday morning at Oaklawn for dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse.