Oaklawn qualifiers begin with 14-horse Smarty Jones

Dec 29, 2021 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

The Road to the Kentucky Derby series makes the first of
four stops at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, as a field of 14 will compete for 17 points
(10-4-2-1 scale) in the $250,000 Smarty Jones S.

Contested over a two-turn mile, the Smarty Jones will mark
the stakes debut for Home Brew, a
sharp allowance scorer at Oaklawn in early December. Brad Cox trains the son of
2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, and Florent Geroux retains the
assignment.

Ben Diesel, who
rolled to a convincing debut triumph at Churchill Downs in late October, merits
serious respect following a fourth in the Nov. 27 Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2).
By Will Take Charge, the chestnut colt did not draw well in the far outside
post, with a short run to the first turn, but Ben Diesel’s speed may allow him
to avoid being caught too wide. Jon Court rides for Dallas Stewart.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen will be represented by All in Sync, who exits a frontrunning
maiden tally under the Twin Spires; Cool
Papa G, third in the Nov. 27 Lively Shively S. at Churchill; and Cairama, third in the Dec. 3 Advent S.
at Oaklawn.

Lively Shively runner-up Barber Road, and Advent victor Kavod
are also part of the mix. Other runners of interest include Bureau; Don’tcrossthedevil, Ignitis,
and Vivar.