Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., will split the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby into two divisions, according to track officials.   

It was announced the race would be split during a final rundown given to horsemen before 12 p.m. Central. At the time, there were 21 horses in the entry box for the mile and an eighth race that runs this coming Saturday, May 2. 

Oaklawn will make a formal announcement on the split at the end of its ontrack handicapping show that ends around 12:30 p.m. Central. 

The Oaklawn Handicap had 15 horses in the entry box earlier this morning. The Grade 2, $600,000 race will share a program with the Arkansas Derby.