Oaklawn Park announced on Tuesday that the Arkansas Derby would be run April 2 and the purse would be increased to $1,250,000. The track made the announcement as part of the release of its 36-race stakes schedule worth a track-record $12.3 million. 

As a result of the earlier date for the Arkansas Derby, which usually is held three weeks out from the Kentucky Derby, Oaklawn also is realigning the dates of its other Kentucky Derby points races for the meet that opens Dec. 3. The Smarty Jones – boosted to $250,000 in value from $150,000 – will be held Jan. 1. The Grade 3, $750,000 Southwest is Jan. 29 and the Grade 2, $1 million Rebel is Feb. 26. 

Oaklawn also plans to conduct its first stakes for 2-year-olds since 1973. The $150,000 Advent for 2-year-olds at six furlongs is the opening day feature Dec. 3.

More to come at www.drf.com

UPDATE - FULL REPORT