With Big Brown's domination of his fellow 3 year olds in this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the Ohio Derby has an extraordinarily strong field for its 74th running which will take place at Thistledown on Saturday. Smooth Air, who had a bad trip in his run for the roses, headlines the field. Trained by Bennie Stutts Jr, Smooth Air has an impressive Grade II win this year in the Hutcheson Stakes and was second best to Big Brown in this years installment of the Florida Derby. Stutts says that his horse, who arrived in Northeast Ohio yesterday, is looking good in workouts.

“I really like the way he’s training,” Stutts told Bloodhorse.com “I’ve never asked this horse to do anything that he hasn’t done easily. He’s so fit right now.”

The field stands at 8 with other horseman on the fence for North Randall's showcase race. Arkansas Derby (gr. II) runner-up Z Fortune; Lane’s End Stakes (gr. II) third-place finisher Medjool; Your Round; Illinois stakes winner Instill; Admirality; locally based Celtic Meal and Stolen Chevy will all compete for the $350,000 purse and prestigious Grade II victory.

If you are planning on heading out the track for Derby day there will be plenty of entertainment. Thistledown will have an outdoor grill along with a concert by country group Lawless from 12:30-4:30 for the folks who want to get close to the action on the homestretch. While you are there, you can try your luck at WDOK Booth to visit Jim McIntyre and take a shot at the Mega Money Machine. General Admission is free and if you want to go all out you can purchase Ohio Derby brunch buffet tickets $35.