In the world of horse racing, conventional wisdom often suggests that a fast pace can be detrimental to speed horses. However, when the stakes are high and the rewards significant, anything can happen. This principle is particularly evident in the upcoming Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, where eight promising three-year-olds will compete in the first of four Kentucky Derby 2025 qualifying races in New York. The event presents a unique opportunity for both trainers and bettors to assess the potential of these young horses. Two key contenders, McAfee and Studlydoright, stand out as favorites, but their suitability for this one-turn mile race remains questionable. Meanwhile, other speedsters like Cyclone Street and Mansetti present intriguing alternatives. The race setup could also favor underdogs such as Omaha Omaha, adding an element of unpredictability.

Evaluating the Top Contenders

Among the leading horses, McAfee and Studlydoright are positioned as the morning-line favorite and second choice, respectively. Despite their strong credentials, questions arise about how well they will adapt to the one-turn mile format. For McAfee, his recent narrow loss to Optical raises concerns, especially given Optical's mild contention in another prestigious race. As for Studlydoright, his performance in the Grade 2 Remsen was disappointing, but there is optimism that he will improve with a return to longer distances. In this context, it might be wise to view Studlydoright as a non-threatening third or fourth placer, potentially setting up a better betting opportunity in future races.

McAfee's strategy seems to involve staying farther back in the race, which could be risky given the competitive field. His last close defeat to Optical, who is now competing in the Smarty Jones, indicates that while McAfee has potential, the odds may not be favorable for him in this particular race. On the other hand, Studlydoright's poor showing in the Remsen suggests that he might need a different race setup to showcase his true abilities. Trainers and bettors alike should consider the possibility that this race may not be the best fit for either horse, making them less attractive choices for winning bets.

Exploring Alternative Speed Horses

While McAfee and Studlydoright dominate the headlines, the real excitement may lie with the speed horses Cyclone Street and Mansetti. Both have demonstrated impressive performances in previous races, but their suitability for this specific distance is worth examining. Cyclone Street stands out slightly due to his consistent front-running style and solid late-pace ratings. This combination makes him a formidable competitor, even if the race doesn't play entirely to his strengths. Mansetti, on the other hand, is known for his explosive start, but his finishing power lags behind Cyclone Street's. Additionally, there are concerns about his performance at seven furlongs compared to his successes at six.

If the race unfolds unfavorably for the front-runners, Omaha Omaha emerges as a viable alternative. This will be his debut in a one-turn mile race, so it's premature to write him off based on a single performance. The race setup could work in his favor, providing an unexpected twist. For bettors, the key lies in identifying the horse with the best value proposition. Cyclone Street, Mansetti, and Omaha Omaha offer intriguing options, each with its own set of advantages and risks. If McAfee and Studlydoright remain the top choices, focusing on these three horses in exacta boxes or tri-fectas could yield profitable outcomes, especially if one of them offers a longer price.