HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – While the focal point of Saturday’s card at Oaklawn Park will be on Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prospects in the Arkansas Derby and Fantasy, respectively, a terrific and well-matched field of older horses will meet earlier in the Grade 3, $400,000 Oaklawn Mile, which could unfold with the kind of pace that benefits Fulsome. Fulsome hasn’t raced since September, after an accomplished 3-year-old campaign that included stakes wins here, at Churchill Downs, and at Parx Racing. He’s worked strongly for his return, a spot picked out in large part because he could avoid Olympiad in last week’s New Orleans Classic at Fair Grounds. “We opted not to run him a mile and an eighth off the layoff, and we weren’t excited about running against Olympiad, so we turned our attention to this race,” said Brad Cox, who trains Fulsome for owner-breeder Juddmonte Farms. :: For the first time ever, our premium past performances are free! Get free Formulator now! There’s no Olympiad in here, but the Oaklawn Mile – race 9 of 13 – is no gimme. Cezanne is in from California following a stakes win at Santa Anita. Silver Prospector most recently was second to Olympiad at Fair Grounds in the Mineshaft. Law Professor was second to subsequent Santa Anita Handicap winner Express Train the last time he raced on dirt. Market Analysis and Runnin’ Ray are getting a deserved shot at this level following strong preps over this track. Toss in past-classer Roadster, and this shapes up as a compelling race. Ten were entered, but no more than nine will run, as Dark Vader did not ship, trainer Peter Eurton opting to keep him in California for a race at Santa Anita on Saturday. The early pace will be paramount for Fulsome. Runnin’ Ray, Market Analysis, Cezanne, and Roadster should ensure solid fractions. If so, Fulsome can be along in time, similar to victories last year in the Grade 3 Matt Winn at Churchill and Grade 3 Smarty Jones at Parx. He has not raced since finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby behind divisional leaders Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon. “Gave him a freshening. Felt like he’d danced a lot of dances,” Cox said. “He’s come back a more consistent work horse.” :: Want to start playing with a $510 bankroll and have access to free Formulator? Learn more Cezanne has raced just six times over the space of 20 months, but he’s won four times, including the Grade 2 San Carlos sprinting in his last start. He’s 1 for 2 around two turns, and the plan is for him to remain around two turns going forward. Flavien Prat, who has ridden him every time, has the mount. The Oaklawn Mile “was a good spot to ship and stretch him out,” said his trainer, Bob Baffert, who thinks Cezanne could eventually move on to something like the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup. Silver Prospector is in the midst of a seven-race losing streak, but acquitted himself well in the Grade 3 Mineshaft when second to Olympiad, earning the best last-out Beyer Speed Figure in the race, a 98. “Felt like the Oaklawn Mile would suit him better than the New Orleans Classic,” said his trainer, Steve Asmussen. Silver Prospector, 5, won the Grade 3 Southwest here two years ago. Law Professor was second to Express Train in the Grade 2 San Pasqual, then was moved back to turf most recently for the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile, in which he was fifth. He’s 3 for 4 combined at a flat mile on turf and dirt. “I thought his last dirt race was very respectable,” said his trainer, Michael McCarthy. “Second to Express Train has held up pretty well on paper.” Market Analysis has won two of his last three starts, all here, all in allowance company, for Robertino Diodoro. “He deserves a shot,” Diodoro said. “He’s improved his last couple, but the race came up salty as can be.” Runnin’ Ray, who will hustle from the inside, is 2 for 2 this season and 3 for 5 here lifetime. This is his stakes debut. Roadster, the 2019 Santa Anita Derby winner, has lost 10 straight since then, his career hampered by breathing and foot issues. This is his first start since September. “Since his last start, he’s had another throat surgery,” said Mike Stidham, who has trained Roadster for much of the past year. “Since his last one, he’s not making any noise, and he’s finished his works better.” Necker Island and Mo Mosa were first and fourth, respectively, in a money allowance race Feb. 21. Roadster and Silver Prospector benefit from the race conditions, as they carry seven fewer pounds (117 versus 124) than their seven rivals.