Stakes Saturday Down in Arkansas

 Happy New Year!

We look in on a terrific Kentucky Derby prep down in Arkansas.

Oaklawn Park Race 9 {Smarty Jones Stakes~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

A modest group of eight will go to the gate in search Derby points.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed to carry the pace forward. Speed numbers are fairly close. Only three have raced over the Oaklawn track. Also, three have gone this distance. This race is one of two on the Derby prep schedule for today. The other is the Jerome Stakes up at Aqueduct. It should be a fine Stakes Saturday race to begin the New Year.

#8 Coal Battle (J. Vargas / Briley) is seeking his third win in a row after winning the Springboard Mile at Remington Park last out. He holds the second highest last out speed number and three sharp peaking workouts. This colt will stretch out for this one and run over the Oaklawn track for the first time. He should track the pace and launch into the stretch. A son of Coal Front, he has a 60% win rate from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Mo Quality (Alvarado / C. Davis) will be making his third career start with the fourth highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. He should track the pace closely. This guy will stretch out and try the Oaklawn track for the first time. A son of Mo Town, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Hot Property (Prat / B. Cox) comes up from Fair Grounds after winning his maiden. He holds a good speed number achieving it over the dirt and distance. Look for him to be the speed. Four solid workouts should help him hold on in the stretch. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he will seek to retain his 100% win rate.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 Bon Temps (M. Garcia / Lukas) has shown improvement in speed numbers in his two starts. With three power workouts, he could take a big step forward. He will be making his third start in the form cycle. Look for him to track the pace and strike in the stretch. A son of Bravazo, he will try to hit the board for the first time.

#3 Optical (Concepcion / Desormeaux) holds the third highest last out speed number and three aggressive workouts. He should sit right off of the speed. This guy has gone this distance, but will try the Oaklawn track for the first time. A son of City of Light, he is 42% in the money from seven starts.

#1 Kale's Angel (R. Vazquez / P. Miller) holds the highest last out speed number and one diligent workout. He has the tactical speed to meld into the pace. This lad will stretch out to the distance. He is one of two that have won over the Oaklawn track. A son of Complexity, he has a 40% win rate from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#8 Coal Battle  ///  #5 Mo Quality,  #6 Hot Property,  #4 Bon Temps,  #3 Optical,  #1 Kale's Angel.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #6,  #4,  #3,  #1  ///  #8 Coal Battle.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday plays!!!