In the world of thoroughbred racing, the Smarty Jones Stakes has emerged as a crucial stepping stone on the path to the Kentucky Derby. Established in 2008 to honor the legendary horse Smarty Jones, this race has consistently produced top contenders for the Triple Crown series. This year, trainer Brad Cox's Hot Property leads the charge, aiming to continue his impressive debut performance and add another feather to Cox's cap, who has dominated this event in recent years.

The Legacy Continues: Hot Property Takes Center Stage

On a crisp Saturday afternoon, Oaklawn Park will host the prestigious Smarty Jones Stakes, with a prize purse of $250,000 up for grabs. The race, held over 1 1/16 miles, features eight promising three-year-olds, each vying for valuable Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Leading the field is Hot Property, the 8-5 favorite, under the guidance of renowned trainer Brad Cox. Cox, having won this race three out of the last four years, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record.

Hot Property made an immediate impact in his debut, winning by a commanding 3¾ lengths at the Fair Grounds on November 24. His performance has set high expectations for this upcoming contest. Flavien Prat, one of the most skilled jockeys in the sport, will guide Hot Property from post 6, adding another layer of confidence to the team's prospects.

Hot Property's main rival appears to be Kale’s Angel, trained by Peter Miller. Kale’s Angel comes into the race off a win in the Advent Stakes at Oaklawn on December 6. Ramon Vazquez will ride Kale’s Angel from post 1, hoping to capitalize on the horse's recent success. Other notable entries include Coal Battle, a three-for-three dirt specialist, and Curvino, both looking to upset the favorites.

The Smarty Jones Stakes not only offers substantial prize money but also awards crucial Derby qualifying points—10 for first place, 5 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, and 1 for fifth. With post time set for 4:55 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on Oaklawn Park as these young thoroughbreds showcase their potential.

For those interested in betting, the top picks are Hot Property, Coal Battle, and Kale’s Angel. The full field, listed from the rail out, includes:

• Kale’s Angel (Ramon Vazquez, Peter Miller), 2-1
• Hot Gunner (Harry Hernandez, Scott Young), 20-1
• Optical (Axel Concepcion, Keith Desormeaux), 12-1
• Bon Temps (Martin Garcia, D. Wayne Lukas), 30-1
• Mo Quality (Junior Alvarado, Chris Davis), 5-1
• Hot Property (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox), 8-5
• Curvino (Francisco Arrieta, Peter Miller), 12-1
• Coal Battle (Juan Vargas, Lonnie Briley), 9-2

As the horses line up for the start, the Smarty Jones Stakes promises to be an exhilarating spectacle. Beyond the immediate thrill of the race, it serves as a vital indicator of which horses may go on to achieve greatness in the Kentucky Derby. For trainers, jockeys, and fans alike, this event marks a pivotal moment in the early season, setting the stage for what could be a memorable journey to the ultimate goal in thoroughbred racing.

From a journalistic perspective, the Smarty Jones Stakes exemplifies the cyclical nature of horse racing, where past champions like Smarty Jones inspire future generations. Each race is a testament to the enduring legacy of the sport and the continuous pursuit of excellence. As we watch Hot Property and his competitors take to the track, we are reminded that every victory, no matter how small, contributes to the rich tapestry of racing history.