Let ’em Run Returns for Kentucky Derby Prep Weekend
Let ’em Run is back in the saddle, so buckle up as we are looking at the two Kentucky Derby prep races this Saturday. The action takes place at Oaklawn Park with Race 10, the Smarty Jones, and at Aqueduct with Race 3, the Jerome Stakes. Both races are worth 10 points to the winner.
We are also breaking down the Late P5 at Oaklawn. Big fields usually mean value, and this sequence delivers. From a Brisnet Prime Power perspective, there is no standout No. 1 Prime Power horse, which makes the P5 an intriguing way to start the New Year.
Stay tuned for Let ’em Run Happy Hour on Friday at 3 pm and the Saturday Roundup show at 12:30 pm. Both stream on the Sports Talk Media Network and multiple streaming apps and social channels.
Oaklawn Park – Race 7
3:55 EST | 6 Furlongs | Dirt | OC20K/N1X
The sequence starts with a big field in this Optional Claimer. I can see No. 4 Two Dollar Eddie at 8-1 and No. 5 Nicholai at 9-5 battling for the lead. That setup favors No. 11 Rock Solo at 5-1 coming late.
Recently gelded, Rock Solo gets Luis Saez aboard for trainer Ron Moquett, which seals the deal.
Oaklawn Park – Race 8
4:25 EST | 1 1/16 Miles | Dirt | ALW 115K/N1X
Another big field lines up here. Most eyes will be on No. 3 Render Judgement at 2-1, last seen in the 2025 Derby. The layoff is a concern, but the Ken McPeek and Brian J. Hernandez Jr. combination is dangerous.
I lean toward No. 8 Dance Some Mo at 4-1. He has one win at the distance and gets Francisco Arrieta to finish the job. No. 6 Super Cruise at 3-1 is consistent and should be there late.
Oaklawn Park – Race 9
4:55 EST | 6 Furlongs | Dirt | The Commodore Overnight 135K
This stakes race offers another big field. I am taking a swing with No. 6 Bourbon Bash at 12-1, ridden by Joel Rosario. Formerly trained by the late D. Wayne Lukas, he has been with Steve Asmussen since May.
His last race was a Grade 3 in the mud and did not suit him. The workouts say he is ready. He belongs on all tickets.
Oaklawn Park – Race 10
5:25 EST | 1 1/16 Miles | Dirt | The Smarty Jones 250K Kentucky Derby Prep
Now we get to the Kentucky Derby prep race. The Smarty Jones brings a strong field of nine runners. A case can be made for nearly every horse.
No. 7 Strategic Risk at 6-1 was impressive last time out. It was his first dirt start and first two-turn race. Mark Casse keeps Javier Castellano aboard and aims toward the Derby. He also owns the highest last-race Brisnet speed rating.
No. 9 Sleepingonfreedom at 5-1 also deserves attention. Ken McPeek and Brian J. Hernandez Jr. team up again. The horse has improved every start and has an excellent post.
Oaklawn Park – Race 11
6:00 EST | 6 Furlongs | Dirt | ALW 115K/N1X
The sequence closes with another big field. This race is loaded with speed.
I will side with the favorite, No. 1 Five o’ Somewhere at 5-2. Luis Saez rides, and cutting back to six furlongs enhances his speed from the rail. He is making his first Oaklawn start, but his December 11 workout suggests he likes the surface. Trainer Matt Shirer and Saez connect at a 31 percent strike rate.
No. 11 Stiglets at 7-2 gets a strong outside post and can track the speed before making one run.
Aqueduct – Race 3
1:10 EST | 1 Mile | Dirt | The Jerome 150K
Note that this is currently a small field of five and may drop to four. No. 5 Mailata just romped at Parx on December 30 and may not run back here.
If the field drops to four, this becomes a jockey’s race. Flavien Prat rides No. 1 Enforced Agenda at 9-2, which is where I land. The horse improved late in his debut and should move forward second time out. That may be all he needs.
Racing Notes and Final Thoughts
In other racing news, Gulfstream Park will reduce racing to Wednesday through Sunday starting next week through the end of the Championship Meet on March 29, 2026. An agreement is also in place to keep horse racing active in Florida through 2028.
Good luck this weekend. Tune in Friday at 3 pm and Saturday at 12:30 pm with myself and John Kostin across multiple streaming apps and social channels.
As always, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun. Until next time, Let ’em Run.
Watch the show on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLt6XYEDLOE
