As a lot as Thoroughbreds flip a 12 months older on Jan. 1, some issues keep the identical. Like the hunt for Triple Crown glory. The newly turned 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park will get their likelihood to chase Kentucky Derby Offered by Woodford Reserve qualifying factors in Saturday’s Smarty Jones Stakes the place 10-5-3-2-1 factors can be distributed to the highest 5 finishers. The race is called for the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner who received three stakes at Oaklawn en path to the beginning gate at Churchill Downs. Mystik Dan, who received the 2024 run for the roses, completed fifth within the final version of the Smarty Jones.
1. Kale’s Angel (2-1): He’s coming off a 5 ¾-length victory in blazing quick time in a stakes whereas racing on dust for the primary time, however that was at 5 ½ furlongs. His solely different win was at 5 furlongs on turf. Has sufficient velocity to be harmful however looks as if a dangerous play at this distance and a low morning line value.
JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez, TRAINER: Peter Miller
2. Scorching Gunner (20-1): Gained his debut and since then has come up quick in 5 straight begins. Looks as if a troublesome spot to renew his successful methods.
JOCKEY: Harry Hernandez, TRAINER: Scott Younger
3. Optical (12-1) Comes off a win in a starter allowance race at Churchill Downs and must take a giant step ahead to be a major risk.
JOCKEY: Axel Concepion; TRAINER: Keith Desormeaux
4. Bon Temps (30-1): In his solely two begins, he was no higher than fourth in maiden particular weight firm. Even for a legendary Corridor of Fame coach, successful appears a little bit of stretch for this one.
JOCKEY: Martin Garcia; TRAINER: D. Wayne Lukas
5. Mo High quality (5-1): Comes off a stable maiden win at Churchill Downs in quick time. Has but to run past 6 ½ furlongs however he appears to be transferring in the correct route.
JOCKEY: Junior Alvarado; TRAINER: Christopher Davis
6. Scorching Property (8-5): Gained his solely begin in convincing vogue on the entrance finish at this distance. Comes from a barn that excels on the Triple Crown path and must be a significant power right here.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Brad Cox
7. Curvino (12-1): Was 0-for-6 in maiden particular weight firm in California earlier than he lastly received in a maiden claimer on this monitor. Beginning a successful streak in a stakes appears unlikely.
JOCKEY: Francisco Arrieta; TRAINER: Peter Miller
8. Coal Battle (9-2): Rallied sharply to win the Remington Springboard Mile Stakes and will admire the added distance right here. He’s unbeaten in three dust races and is certainly a major risk on this area.
JOCKEY: Juan Vargas; TRAINER: Lonnie Briley
THE PICK: Scorching Property
LIVE LONGSHOT: Mo High quality
SUPERFECTA: 6-8-5-1
