Smarty Jones Stakes Preview

Racing Dudes Picks

Win – 3

Exacta –1,3,9,10 Box

Trifecta –1,3,9,10 Box

Horses to Use in Vertical Wagers – 3,10,1,9

Racing Dudes Projected Order of Finish

#3 Fire Starter (KY) – This race has “up and coming” horse written all over it, and Fire Starter fits the bill for me.  After struggling in his first few races Fire Starter put it all together last time out to win a maiden special weight by ten at Laurel.  It’s definitely a race where taking a price horse makes sense, and Fire Starter will fit that bill as well.  Perhaps this is a weak version of the Smarty Jones, or maybe a hidden gem will emerge from this ten horse field.

#10 Coastline (KY) – Very deserving morning line favorite.  The horse was really rolling into the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes last time out, but lost all chance when he stumbled terribly out of the gate.  He came to Oaklawn and had a nice five furlong work a few days ago so all systems look to be set on go.  If class wins out it will be Coastline that gets his picture taken Monday afternoon.

#1 D’cajun Cat (FL) – He was one of Asmussen’s many maiden winners at Churchill last summer, and ran a decent race at the Fair Grounds last time out.  Connections alone make this horse respectable, but I think his class is definitely in question.  The mile distance might be right up his alley, but I don’t think you can support him over the top two.

#9 Unstoppable Colby (KY) – It’s always tough to get behind a maiden in a Stakes race at this point of the season, but it’s clear that Unstoppable Colby has a lot of talent.  Last time out he finished second to Gold Hawk, who came back to win impressively next time out.  Considering Gold Hawk would most likely be a short price in this race bodes well for Unstoppable Colby.  I don’t have the guts to pick him to win, but I do believe he enters this thing with a shot.

#6 Walt (KY) – His fourth place finish in the Springboard Mile at Remington last time out made me believe this horse could be decent.  I wasn’t expecting much from him, but he hung in the race pretty well and just got nosed out by Smack Smack for third.  He’s probably not a real threat to win this one, but he could hang around and catch a minor award.

#8 Tanzanite Cat (FL) – Lightly race colt got the job done last time out at Fair Grounds with a maiden special weight win, and could improve off that effort.  He came into that last race off a four-month layoff, so that makes the victory even more impressive.  His debut race was in August at Del Mar where he finished a respectable third, so I think this horse has a bit of class.  Consider this one a wild card…

#4 Son of a Preacher (FL) – Was a nice maiden winner at Churchill Downs at first asking, but hasn’t been able to finish the deal in two allowances races since then.  He’s not facing the toughest of fields in this spot, however you’d have to think this field is as good as what he’s been running in.  Maybe has a chance for a minor award.

#2 Whyruawesome (KY) – Just hasn’t shown enough for me to back him since his maiden breaking victory first time out.  He is Grade 3 placed which make him one of the more classier horses in the race, but hasn’t been close to winning in his last three races.

#5 A Step Ahead (IL) – This being the first time away from Illinois makes me feel a little worried about his chances.  Certainly could compete at the level, but the waters are deeper today.  Let’s see how he handles it…

#7 Denali Rahy Ruler (KY) – He had three really nice races leading up to the Springboard Mile at Remington, but was soundly defeated that day when finishing tenth.  I’m guessing the class jump was just too steep from him, and today’s race will be more of the same.