By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

The $800,000 Southwest (G3), Oaklawn – Race 11 – The Southwest is the second of four stops on the Arkansas road to the 2024 Kentucky Derby with qualifying points [20-10-6-4-2] that are available to the eligible finishers. Six horses entered in the 12 horse field have already earned some Derby points. A fast pace is expected in this 1 1/16 mile which is carded as race 11. Post time is set for 5:50 pm EST. (4) Otto the Conqueror has won his last three starts going back to his maiden breaker in September at Churchill Downs. He won an allowance in Kentucky by four lengths beating Honor Marie who came back to win on the Derby trail in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). Otto the Conqueror got 10 Derby points for his win in the Springboard Mile. He will be best served by stalking the fast pace. (6) Liberal Arts was last seen in October rallying late to win the Street Sense (G3) after a third in the Iroquois (G3) which got him 13 Derby points. His speed figures increased in all five of his starts. Trainer Robbie Medina was a long-time assistant for Shug McGaughey. (7) Carbone is unbeaten in two starts for Steve Asmussen. He won a Churchill maiden by eight lengths on the front-end and then an Oaklawn allowance by four. He has class to go with his front running style and should carry his speed down the stretch. (5) Wynstock won the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) in December for Bob Baffert and thus was not eligible for the Derby qualifying points. The $800,000 purse attracted his entry into the Southwest at Oaklawn where Baffert has had plenty of success. Betting strategy:  Exacta box: 4, 5, 6, 7.