A year ago this weekend, unknown trainer Tim Ice, who was just launching his career, saddled a maiden winner as a longshot in the Arkansas Derby. The colt finished a closing third in that prep and a credible sixth in the Kentucky Derby before reeling off wins in the Belmont, Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup to earn an Eclipse championship.

Fast forward to 2010. Ice has lost Summer Bird to another trainer but he's still at Oaklawn Park today, saddling maiden winner New Madrid, a longshot in a field of nine in the $1 million Arkansas Derby, newly a Grade I this year based on the success of its recent graduates, such as Summer Bird.

Following a poor effort in his career debut at Churchill Downs, New Madrid, a son of Rock Hard Ten, finished a solid second to Sunland Park Derby winner Endorsement in an Oaklawn maiden race in February, then got his first win over the track on March 13. Abel Castellano was aboard the Shortleaf Stable colt in the win and will ride again today.

For more insight on today's two key Derby preps, the Arkansas Derby and the Blue Grass, check out our preview in today's Saratogian.

Meanwhile, Summer Bird, who was transferred to trainer Tim Ritchey in February, is progressing well in his comeback from a fracture he suffered in late November while training for the Japan cup Dirt. The 4-year-old son of Birdstone will ship to Ritchey's base at Delaware Park on Monday or Tuesday and is expected to begin breezing in early May. Ritchey hopes Summer Bird will be ready to start in late June or early July.