It’s a Smarty Party Monday at Oaklawn Park as opening weekend 2018 concludes with the Smarty Jones stakes as the featured eighth race on Monday.
Contenders:
Combatant son of Scat Daddy has been running well on the dirt the last two races and his maiden win was visually impressive, coming off the pace and his Beyer speed figure in that win was 77. Improved in the recent start and distanced himself from the third-place finisher while chasing the impressive Greyvitos.
Mourinho is the most likely favorite with the trainer Bob Baffert win record at Oaklawn taking all the money. Scratched from the Sham Stakes last Saturday for this spot. He is fast but looks and runs like a sprinter. This may be his derby, not sure how much further he wants to go. Figures to be on the engine and brings in his rider from the West Coast. All Systems Go for Mourinho.
Navistar was run down in his first-lifetime start by the speed and class of Mask. He was not pressured late in that race once the winner went by. Was given time off and graduated on demand as the heavy favorite in the most recent race. With second race of form cycle and third-lifetime race, he will be a tough beat in this spot.
Fair Odds Line:
Combatant 5/1
Navistar 5/2
Mourinho 7/2
The Selection:
Combatant looked good chasing Greyvitos who ran a solid race in the Springboard Mile. Like the fact he can save ground, sit off and clock the speedy Mourinho. Santana on his home track in a stretch duel with Velazquez on Navistar – Place your Bets!