Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Smarty Jones Stakes Recap + Lecomte Stakes Preview

Kentucky Derby 2017 contender Uncontested went straight to the front in the slop at Oaklawn and kept on going in an easy Smarty Jones Stakes wire job as the favorite on Jan 16.

My top choice Petrov chased Uncontested from the opening bell and was clearly second best over late runner Rowdy the Warrior. The winning BSF was 96.

Just like the Jerome and Sham, the Smarty Jones was contested on a wet track. The top performers in all three races were on or near the lead throughout and each race produced a lopsided win and/or strung-out fields. Let’s see what Uncontested, El Areeb, Gormley, and American Anthem can do in upcoming fast track graded routes vs. tougher competition. With that in mind, Uncontested moves up to #14 on my “Next Nine” but will not enter the “Exceptional Eleven” just yet.

The lone Derby points race this weekend is the G3 Lecomte from Fair Grounds and the 12-horse field is a real scramble.

Untrapped is the 9-2 morning line favorite for Steve Asmussen and the Lecomte will be his first start around two turns after a stalk/pounce maiden sprint win at Churchill on Nov 20.

Asmussen saddles two other runners including Springboard Mile runner-up Totality. He did not get much pace help last time and will try to get involved late.

Guest Suite looks like a solid contender for Neil Howard. His speed figures are on the rise and he romped when last seen at Churchill Downs Nov 26.

Running Mate rolled home in his first two sprints before losing the Sugar Bowl as the heavy favorite. He stretches out for Larry Jones and is probably the target.

Maiden Arklow is improving for sharp trainer Brad Cox and he might upset the applecart. Takeoff beat Arklow last time and should be forwardly placed for Mark Casse.

Shaeholder Value exits a dirt route win at Fair Grounds vs. optional claiming foes for Tom Amoss, who saddled 2016 Lecomte winner Mo Tom.

Saint’s Fan drew post 12 and trainer Dallas Stewart is expected to withdraw his charge because of the outside post.

Phat Man, Marco Mischief, Tip Tap Tapizar, and Pat On the Back round out the Lecomte field.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 1-20-17)

#1 - MASTERY

#2 - Classic Empire

#3 - Three Rules

#4 - Gormley

#5 - McCraken

#6 - El Areeb

#7 - Practical Joke

#8 - Theory

#9 - Royal Mo 

#10 - Klimt

#11 - Beach Bum


You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards