Triple Crown

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Aqueduct, 2025 Jerome Stakes, Cyclone State

Cyclone State Blows Away Competition in Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct

The first of four 2025 run for roses prep races at Aqueduct Racetrack turned into a lopsided rout as Cyclone State clobbered six 3-year-old rivals to take the Jan. 4 $150,000 Jerome Stakes in his third straight victory at the Big A, all at a one-turn mile distance.

Oaklawn Park, Smarty Jones Stakes, 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, Noel’s Weekend Winners, Aqueduct, Jerome Stakes, Eclipse Sportswire

Noel’s Weekend Winners: Key Derby Trail Races at Aqueduct, Oaklawn Park

Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.

Gambling

NTRA National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the Year FanDuel fans horse racing Kentucky Derby Travers Stakes Preakness Belmont Breeders’ Cup Classic Distaff jockey trainer Thorpedo Anna Mystik Dan McPeek Prat Lukas

Voting Opens for FanDuel Racing-NTRA Moment of the Year

Ten of the most thrilling, memorable, and momentous events from Thoroughbred racing in North America last year have been nominated for the 2024 FanDuel Racing-NTRA Moment of the Year, a distinction determined by fan voting and recognized at the annual Eclipse Awards.

The Sport

Smarty Jones Stakes handicapping betting gambling contenders Kentucky Derby Oaklawn park Bon Temps Curvino Hot Gunner Kale’s Angel Coal Battle Hot Property Brad Cox Juan Vargas Peter Miller Ramon Vazquez horse racing

Speedy Kale’s Angel is a Standout in the 2025 Smarty Jones Stakes

The $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes Saturday at Oaklawn Park is the first of four Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve races to be run at the Hot Springs, Ark., track, and the 1 1/16-mile event will start to tell us which talented 3-year-olds are worthy of participating in subsequent races.

Gambling

Smarty Jones Stakes Oaklawn Park Kentucky Derby Coal Battle Curvino Hot Property Mo Quality Bon Temps Optical Hot Gunner Kale’s Angel Brad Cox jockey trainer Lonnie Briley prep horse racing

2025 Smarty Jones Stakes at a Glance

As much as Thoroughbreds turn a year older on Jan. 1, some things stay the same. Like the quest for Triple Crown glory. The newly turned 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park will get their chance to chase Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifying points in Saturday’s Smarty Jones Stakes where 10-5-3-2-1 points will be distributed to the top five finishers.

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