Kentucky Derby Caddo River Obliterates Smarty Jones January 22, 2021 Credit: Coady Photography Kentucky Derby Caddo River Obliterates Smarty Jones January 22, 2021 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article HOT SPRINGS, AR – Shortleaf Stable homebred Caddo River proved why he was the 3/5 heavy favorite as he obliterated the competition in Friday’s $150,000 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Caddo River broke alertly from the far outside post 7 under Florent Geroux, hustled toward the front, and received an uncontested lead after a rank Hardly Swayed finally took back. Caddo River steadily extended his lead down the backstretch and through the far turn while strolling through easy opening fractions of :23.12, :47.16, and 1:12.42, then straightened for home with daylight behind him. The Brad Cox trainee crossed 10 1/4 lengths clear while completing the mile-long fast dirt route in 1:38.19. Credit: Coady Photography “He broke very alertly,” Geroux said. “Very nice and relaxed. You want to see these type horses doing it the right way. It’s easy to go to the lead and keep on going. You want them to relax and do everything right. He did everything perfect.” The 2/1 second choice Cowan took second, 7 1/4 lengths in front of fellow Steve Asmussen trainee Big Thorn, who necked out Moonlite Strike for third. Martini Blu and the distanced pair Hardly Swayed and Lawlessness completed the order of finish in the race restricted to 3-year-olds. The Smarty Jones is part of the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Derby prep race season. Caddo River earned 10 points for the win, with Cowan receiving 4 for second, Big Thorn 2 for third, and Moonlite Strike 1 for fourth. Caddo River’s win backed up a strong maiden-breaking score going a one-turn mile at Churchill Downs and improved his overall record to 4-2-2-0. The Hard Spun colt increased his career earnings to $166,092 and may target the local 1 1/16-mile Rebel Stakes (G2) on March 13 for his next start. “The distance doesn’t look like it’s going to be a problem,” Geroux said. “Very excited about what’s coming up ahead of us with him. Looks like he can run all day, which is a good problem. Hopefully, we can go on, go up the stepping stones and have a nice horse for the first Saturday in May.” Caddo River returned $3.20 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.10 to show. Cowan brought back $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show, while Big Thorn paid $3 to show.
Weekend Stakes Preview: Rapid-Fire Picks | Blinkers Off 632 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for this weekend’s… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 500: Santa Anita Saturday Late Pick 5 Preview | Awesome Again Day Picks The Magic Mike Show guys celebrate episode 500 previewing the… Read More
DWBS 160: NFL Week 4 PICKS and CFB Week 5 PICKS Aaron and Papa Dude are ready to roll with college… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 499: Remington Park Sunday Pick 5 Preview | Oklahoma Derby, Oaks Picks The Magic Mike Show guys preview the Late Pick 5… Read More
DWBS 159: NFL Week 3 PICKS and CFB Week 4 PICKS Aaron and Papa Dude are ready to roll with college… Read More
2023 Awesome Again Stakes Preview & FREE Picks | Defunded To Defend Title In Classic Prep Aaron previews the 2023 Awesome Again Stakes (G1) from Santa… Read More
Weekend Stakes Preview: Rapid-Fire Picks | Blinkers Off 632 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for this weekend’s… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 500: Santa Anita Saturday Late Pick 5 Preview | Awesome Again Day Picks The Magic Mike Show guys celebrate episode 500 previewing the… Read More
2023 Lukas Classic Preview | Clapton Could Give Summers 2nd Churchill Downs Stakes Win Trainer Chad Summers made a splash in 2018 at Churchill… Read More
2023 Ack Ack Stakes Preview & FREE Picks | Three Technique Returns From Layoff At Churchill Aaron previews the 2023 Ack Ack Stakes (G3) from Churchill… Read More