On the Derby Trail in Arkansas

 Happy New Year to all!!!

Happy Birthday to all our Equine hero's.

As we start the New Year, we look at a race on the Kentucky Derby trail!

Oaklawn Park Race 10 {Smarty Jones Stakes~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

As a result of one scratch the field will be just eight going to the gate.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

All of the entrants will run over the Oaklawn track for the first time. Two will stretch out to the distance. There is enough speed to carry the pace forward. Speed numbers are very close. Three in the race will be seeking their third win in a row. It should be a great start for all the three-year-olds seeking points for a start in the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

#1 Universe (Rosario / McPeek) should track the pace closely. He holds the secnd highest (tie) last out speed number and two superb peaking workouts. This guy love the dirt and distance. His last race was a grade-two event. A son of Global Campaign, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Rancho Santa Fe (Geroux / B. Cox) is the deserved favorite with third highest (tie) last out speed number and four robust workouts. This lad is undefeated over the dirt and distance. Look for him to track the pace and strike in the stretch. A son of Tapit, he has a win rate of 100% from two starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Oscars Hope (Santana / Amoss) will stretch out as he tracks the pace closely. He loves the dirt as her seeks his third win in a row. He comes in with the highest last out speed number and three tremendous workouts. A son of Twirling Candy, he is 100% in the money from five starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Sleepingonfreedom (B. Hernandez / McPeek) is another seeking his third win in a row. This guy relishes the dirt and distance. He should be amongst the pack tracking the pace closely. He shares the third highest last out speed number and three hearty peaking workouts. A son of Independence Hall, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

#4 Silent Tactic (J. Torres / M. Casse) exits a grade three hitting second with a decent speed fig and three solid workouts. He loves the dirt and distance. Expect him to track the pace and hit the stretch running. A son of Tacitus, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

#7 Strategic Risk (Castellano / M. Casse) should show tactical speed as the pace develops. He comes to the race with the fourth highest last out speed number and three well-done workouts. This guy is decent over the dirt and at the distance. A son of Noble Bird, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#1 Universe  ///  #5 Rancho Santa Fe,  #6 Oscars Hope,   #9 Sleepingonfreedom,  #4 Silent Tactic,  #7 Strategic Risk.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #6,  #9, #4,  #7  /// #1 Universe.

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