Caddo River romps in Smarty Jones Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Caddo River lived up to his 3-5 odds Friday at Oaklawn Park, where he won the $150,000 Smarty Jones by 10 1/4 lengths and picked up 10 points for the Kentucky Derby.

Cowan ran second to pick up 4 points for the Kentucky Derby. He was 7 1/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Big Thorn, who earned 2 points. Moonlite Strike picked up a point for his fourth-place finish Friday.

The Smarty Jones was the feature on the opening-day card at Oaklawn.

Caddo River ($3.20) was making his first start against winners and his first start at two turns, and he moved to the lead soon after the start. He never gave up the position, setting fractions of 23.12 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.16 for the half-mile, and 1:12.42 for six furlongs. The race ended at the sixteenth pole, and Caddo River covered the distance on a fast track in 1:38.19.

Florent Geroux was aboard the winner for trainer Brad Cox.

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“He broke very alertly,” Geroux told publicity at Oaklawn. “Very nice and relaxed. You want to see these type horses doing it the right way. It’s easy to go to the lead and keep on going. You want them to relax and do everything right. He did everything perfect.

"The distance doesn't look like it's going to be a problem. Very excited about what's coming up ahead of us with him. Looks like he can run all day, which is a good problem. Hopefully, we can go on, go up the stepping-stones and have a nice horse for the first Saturday in May.”

Shortleaf Stable bred and owns Caddo River, a son of Hard Spun and the stakes-winning mare Pangburn.

Caddo River, who is an individual betting interest in this weekend’s Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, came into the Smarty Jones off a 9 1/2-length maiden special weight win at Churchill Downs.

He has now won 2 of 4 starts for earnings of $166,092.

The Smarty Jones was held under sunny skies on an afternoon in the mid-50s. Attendance was limited due to restrictions caused by the pandemic, and the apron area that normally would be packed had a small sampling of observers spotted here and there.

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Others looked on from the grandstand in a socially-distanced seating plan that required specific reservations. Patrons also watched from a new balcony overlooking the first turn in a restaurant area between the casino and hotel. The hotel is scheduled to open in March.

Trainer Federico Villafranco came out swinging, winning the opener in one of three victories the barn had on the card. Geroux also won three races Friday.

Many attending the races were dressed up for opening day, but the fashion statement of the times was a mask and a wristband one receives after a satisfactory temperature check prior to entering the premises.

Oaklawn officials are hopeful more patrons will be able to attend the races as the season moves on, with warmer weather leading to the possibility of an earlier opening of the infield facilities at Oaklawn.

Racing resumes Saturday with the $150,000 Fifth Season and $150,000 Pippin.