🌟 Road to the Kentucky Derby: Key Stakes Races on January 4, 2025 🌹
🌟 Road to the Kentucky Derby: Key Stakes Races on January 4, 2025 🌹
As the Road to the Kentucky Derby intensifies, January 4, 2025, offers pivotal stakes races where emerging 3-year-olds can earn essential qualifying points. Here’s a breakdown of the key races to watch:
🏆 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack – January 4, 2025
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Track: Aqueduct Racetrack
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Purse: $150,000
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Distance: 1 mile (Dirt)
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Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds
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Kentucky Derby Points: 10-5-3-2-1 to the top five finishers
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Post Time: 3:39 p.m. ET
The Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct is a major early stepping stone on the road to Churchill Downs. With a solid purse and Derby points on the line, it draws top 3-year-olds looking to make a name for themselves.
🔗 Source: Twinspires
🐴 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park – January 4, 2025
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Track: Oaklawn Park
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Purse: $250,000
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Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Dirt)
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Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds
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Kentucky Derby Points: 10-5-3-2-1 to the top five finishers
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Post Time: 5:22 p.m. ET
Oaklawn Park kicks off its Derby prep series with the Smarty Jones Stakes. Known for producing future Derby stars, this race features some of the strongest early-season 3-year-olds. Trainer Brad Cox’s entrant, Hot Property, is a strong contender after recent impressive performances.
🔗 Source: US Racing
🌿 Ginger Brew Stakes at Gulfstream Park (Turf) – January 4, 2025
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Track: Gulfstream Park
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Purse: $150,000
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Distance: 1 mile (Turf)
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Age/Sex: 3-Year-Old Fillies
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Post Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
The Ginger Brew Stakes highlights talented 3-year-old fillies on turf. This one-mile contest promises an exciting finish as turf specialists battle for supremacy.
🏅 Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park – January 4, 2025
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Track: Gulfstream Park
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Purse: $150,000
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Distance: 1 mile (Dirt)
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Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds & Up
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Post Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Named after the legendary Mucho Macho Man, this stakes race showcases versatile runners aiming to kick off their year with a win on Gulfstream’s dirt track.
🐦 San Vicente Stakes (Grade 2) at Santa Anita Park – January 4, 2025
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Track: Santa Anita Park
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Purse: $200,000
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Distance: 7 furlongs (Dirt)
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Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds
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Kentucky Derby Points: N/A
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Post Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Although not a Derby points race, the San Vicente Stakes remains an important sprint test for young runners. Expect fireworks as top prospects showcase their early speed.
🏇 Turfway Prevue Stakes at Turfway Park – January 4, 2025
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Track: Turfway Park
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Purse: $125,000
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Distance: 6 1/2 furlongs (Synthetic)
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Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds
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Post Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
The Turfway Prevue Stakes provides a unique test on Turfway’s synthetic track. With a competitive field of 3-year-olds, this race is known for producing future stars in synthetic and dirt routes.
These stakes races not only offer a glimpse into potential Derby contenders but also serve as a thrilling day of racing for fans. As the road to Churchill Downs continues, expect exciting performances and emerging stars.