Smarty Jones Stakes 2024 Picks

By Jarrod Horak

The road to Kentucky Derby 2024 continues at Oaklawn on Monday, January 1, and I have included Smarty Jones Stakes 2024 picks below. The non-graded event for 3-year-olds has a $300,000 purse and the nine entrants will be traveling 1 1/16 miles on the main track. The Smarty Jones is the 9th race on New Year’s Day and the top five finishers will earn Kentucky Derby points (10-5-3-2-1). 

Smarty Jones Stakes 2024 Picks & Final Time Ratings

Catching Freedom was sharp from off the pace as the favorite in his flat mile bow at Churchill Downs on Oct. 1. He was the chalk again in a two turn race under the Twin Spires Nov. 9, and he ended up an okay 4th of 10 that day (Lagynos 3rd). This $575k Constitution colt still has upside. 

Lagynos stalked and pounced in both of his wins, and he projects a similar trip in this spot. He handled two turns in an optional-claiming victory at Churchill on Nov. 25. 

Gettysburg Address stalked and scored in his dirt sprint bow at Ellis Park. He caught the slop in the Grade 3 Street Sense second time out, and he went too fast on the lead and faded to 4th in a 5-horse field. Brad Cox excels with the blinkers off move and Flavien Prat got acquainted with him last time. He should be more relaxed this time. 

Just Steel is making his eighth career start in this race for Wayne Lukas. He looked good winning the Ed Brown Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on Nov. 25. In his lone route attempt, he dueled and faded in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity.  

The Smarty Jones Stakes field also includes Informed Patriot, Mystik Dan, Mo Winning, Chaperone, and Fidget.

Smarty Stakes 2024 Picks

The Smarty Jones Stakes is the 12th race in my Kentucky Derby 2024 video series, and my top choices have two wins, three runner-up finishes, and two show finishes. I will cover each points race on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Check out my Smarty Jones Stakes 2024 picks video below.