Archarcharch pulls away to win Oaklawn's SW Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) - Archarcharch pulled ahead on the home stretch to win the $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

The colt, trained by Jinks Fires, won the Sugar Bowl Stakes in December before finishing fourth in the Smarty Jones Stakes on Jan. 17. He led early and tired late on a slow track in the Smarty Jones, but the dirt was plenty fast on Monday despite a brief afternoon shower.

The 14-to-1 Archarcharch struggled out of the gate before pulling ahead on the final turn and holding off a late charge by race favorite J P's Gusto, who finished second.

Ridden by Jon Court, Archarcharch paid $31, $8.80 and $4.80. J P's Gusto paid $3.60 and $2.80, while third-place finisher Elite Alex paid $3 to show.