Speed King: The Morning-Line Favorite
Ron Moquett-trained Speed King comes into the race as the morning-line favorite at 7-2 odds. His impressive maiden victory at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., by 2-1/4 lengths, has set the stage. Since then, he has been training at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., and posted a sharp half-mile work in 48.8 seconds over a fast track. Owned by Triton Thoroughbreds of Fort Smith, Ark., and ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Speed King is ready to shine.His previous win showcases his potential and determination. The training at Oaklawn Park has likely fine-tuned his skills, making him a strong contender in this prestigious race. With a talented jockey like Bejarano on his back, Speed King has the right combination to make a big impact.
The journey from his maiden victory to the Springboard Mile is a testament to his growth and development. He will face tough competition, but his form and recent training give him a good chance of success.
Jolly Samurai: The Close Second
Owned by Jake Brown and with a morning-line odds of 4-1, Jolly Samurai is undefeated this season at Remington Park. He has won three races at 5-1/2 furlongs, six-furlongs, and seven-furlongs, including stakes scores in the Kip Deville on September 29 and the Clever Trevor on October 25. Trained by Danny Pish and with Rene Diaz as the only rider named, Jolly Samurai is a force to be reckoned with.His consistent winning streak at Remington Park demonstrates his adaptability and ability to perform in different distances. The stakes victories add to his credibility and make him a serious contender for the Springboard Mile. With Danny Pish's training and Rene Diaz's expertise, Jolly Samurai is well-prepared for the big race.
Jolly Samurai's success this season has made him a fan favorite and a horse to watch. His ability to handle different track conditions and distances gives him an edge over his opponents.
Mister Omaha: The Oklahoma-Bred Hopeful
Mister Omaha aims to become the first Oklahoma-bred to win the Springboard since Ted’s Folly in 2011. Racing for Remington Park's season-leading owner Bryan Hawk and trainer Joe Offolter, he will have Luis Quinonez aboard for the fifth attempt of the season.Despite only defeating Oklahoma-breds so far, his recent wins in the Oklahoma Classics Juvenile on October 18 and the Don McNeill Stakes on November 8 show his talent. He is a horse with local pride and a desire to make history at Remington Park.
Mister Omaha's journey to the Springboard Mile has been a steady one. With the support of his owner and trainer, he is ready to take on the best in the field and prove that Oklahoma-bred horses can compete on a national stage.
Other Contenders: A Field of Talent
Dr Ruben M, trained by two-time Kentucky Derby winning-trainer Doug O’Neill and with a morning-line odds of 6-1, will ship from California after breaking his maiden at Santa Anita Park. His recent win gives him confidence and he will be ridden by regular jockey Edwin Maldonado.Blue Angel, trained by Steven M. Asmussen and with a morning-line odds of 0.00, is also in the field. His recent win in a maiden special weight race at Remington Park shows his potential. With David Cabrera as the jockey, he will be looking to make his mark in the Springboard Mile.
Complex Music, trained by Steven M. Asmussen and with a morning-line odds of 0.00, has also shown promise. His win in an allowance race at Indiana gives him experience and he will be ridden by Stewart Elliott. These horses, along with the others in the field, will add to the excitement of the Springboard Mile.
The Springboard Mile is not only a race for the top horses but also a qualifying points race for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. The top five finishers will earn 10-5-3-2-1 points, adding to the significance of this event. With talented horses from different tracks and trainers, the race is sure to be a thrilling spectacle.
As the 12th and final race on December 13th, with an approximate off time of 11:28pm EST, the Springboard Mile will bring the year of live racing at Remington Park to a close. Fans can expect a great show as these talented 2-year-olds battle it out for the top prize.