Musings of a PT student: Smarty Jones Stakes

It was a foggy day at the Oaklawn race track, so much so that announcer's only comments as the horses moved around that backstretch were "your guess is as good as mine folks" or "its really anyones race." The fog was so thick you could only see that horses as they were already half way down the homestretch. The fog gave the cold day a haunting look that made the horses magically appear running their hearts out.

I was there to watch the Smarty Jones Stakes: three year olds. no nomination fee. $500 to pass the entry box and $1000 additional to start with $100,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the Owner of the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth, and 2% to be divided equally among the remaining starters. Weights: 122 lbs. Non-winners of $30,000 twice allowed 3 lbs.;$30,000 once 5 lbs.; $15,000 once 7 lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered.) In Allowance Stakes starting preference will be given to horses that have accumulated the highest earnings excluding money won in restricted races. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Nominations closed Wednesday, January 12,2011 with 33 nominees.

The Smarty Jones stakes was the 8th race of the day. Before I get into the race I found it ironic that a son of the named 8th race (Double Threat) won the earlier (7th) race. Too bad he was four and ineligible for racing in the Smarty Jones Stakes itself.

My favorites going into the race were Dreaminofthewin and Archarcharch.
- Dreaminofthewin (out of Successful Appeal) was raced 3 times in 2010, winning twice and placing once, twice at a mile, ridden by Luis Quinonez

- Archarcharch (out of Arch) was only raced 2 times prior finishing first and second, this was the longest he had been raced, Jon Court has ridden him both previous times and was up on him again

The field also included:

- Caleb's Posse

- Bluegrass Bull

- Grant Jack

- Make it Roses

- Bonaroo

And then they were off!

Under the wire!

And it was Caleb's Posse first with Dreaminofthewin on his heels, Bluegrass Bull got the show, followed by Archarcharch. The final time was 1:43.0 for the mile.

Calvin Borel was having a good weekend at Oaklawn, being in the money 14 times.