In a significant development for the upcoming Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn, two key contenders, Kale’s Angel and Coal Battle, underwent rigorous training sessions on Monday. Both horses displayed impressive performances on the Hot Springs track, indicating their readiness for the critical race this Saturday. Kale’s Angel, who recently triumphed in the Advent Stakes, clocked an impressive five furlongs in 1:02.6. Meanwhile, Coal Battle, fresh off his victory in the Remington Springboard Mile, covered three furlongs in 38.0 seconds. Despite their promising form, both horses remain long shots in the Kentucky Derby futures market, with odds of 75-1 and 100-1 respectively. The preparation of these horses highlights the intense competition brewing for the Kentucky Derby points race.

Kale’s Angel and Coal Battle Ready for Smarty Jones Showdown

In the crisp morning air of Hot Springs, two prominent contenders for Saturday's Smarty Jones Stakes completed their final preparations with notable performances. Kale’s Angel, under the guidance of trainer Peter Miller, demonstrated remarkable speed by covering five furlongs in just over a minute. This performance was the 27th fastest out of 41 horses at the same distance. Kale’s Angel has shown steady improvement since transitioning from California to Oaklawn, culminating in a dominant victory in the Advent Stakes on December 6.

Coal Battle, trained by Lonnie Briley, also put on an impressive display by completing three furlongs in 38.0 seconds, ranking as the seventh fastest among eight horses at that distance. Coal Battle’s recent win in the Remington Springboard Mile on December 13 underscores his potential as a dark horse in the Smarty Jones. Despite their growing reputations, both horses are still considered long shots for the Kentucky Derby, with current odds reflecting cautious optimism from the betting community.

Meanwhile, Neoequos, another hopeful for the Kentucky Derby, worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Gulfstream Park, showcasing his own competitive edge in the broader stakes landscape. These training sessions across different tracks highlight the widespread anticipation and preparation leading up to the major races ahead.

From a journalist's perspective, the performances of Kale’s Angel and Coal Battle offer a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of horse racing. Their rapid progression and strong showings in training suggest that they could be serious contenders in the Smarty Jones Stakes and beyond. The long odds placed on them by bookmakers only add to the excitement and drama surrounding these young thoroughbreds. For fans and bettors alike, it is a thrilling reminder that anything can happen on race day, making every moment leading up to it all the more captivating.