The Jerome Stakes has been redrawn. The first field was “Cold” out a few weeks back. Aqueduct has been closed due to fog and unthawing the last few days.
Contenders:
Coltandmississippi Ships in from Florida and may have a conditioning edge with a recent work on January 6th at Palm Meadows. He scratched out of the Mucho Macho Man last week. Faces an easier spot than Mask in this race. The Smooth Air Stakes effort than it appears in the form. The son of Pioneerof the Nile was running behind horses at the rail and was never allowed any room to run. He came up empty at the turn and was not pressured late. Both his wins were accomplished having the lead at the second call. I see him sending in this race and he looks like a freewheeling horse.
Seven Trumpets was the original selection when this field was drawn for a January first running. He has been in New York for almost two weeks with no official works. Paco Lopez is scheduled to ride. His last two efforts were visually impressive and his last two speed figures make him the most consistent in this field and still room to improve.
Firenze Fire is the morning line 3/5 favorite based on his Grade 1 victory in the Champagne. That was a solid late run and his Beyer speed figure of 90 towers over this field. He has five-lifetime starts with the one-speed figure in the Champagne standing out 10 points higher than the rest of his efforts. He has a work on January 8th, that was a slow maintenance breeze. Seems like an underlay in this spot.
Fair Odds Line:
ColtandMississippi 4/1
Seven Trumpets 3/1
Firenze Fire 7/5
The Selection:
Seven Trumpets should set off the speed of Coltandmississippi and have the lead turning for home over Firenze Fire.