Kavod may go longer in Smarty Jones Stakes
Kavod could get a chance at the rich 3-year-old program at Oaklawn Park.
Trainer Chris Hartman said Tuesday that the recent stakes winner is under serious consideration for a start in the $250,000 Smarty Jones on Jan. 1.
“It’s the most logical spot,” he said. “The timing is good.”
Hartman said Kavod also has been nominated to the $75,000 Sugar Bowl at Fair Grounds. The six-furlong race for 2-year-olds is Dec. 27.
“I don’t know if I’ll travel with him or not,” he said.
Kavod would be moving back to two turns if he goes in the one-mile Smarty Jones. The race is the first of four 3-year-old stakes at Oaklawn that carry eligibility points for the Kentucky Derby.
Kavod is coming off a win at six furlongs in the $150,000 Advent Stakes on the opening-day card at Oaklawn. The horse won the Dec. 3 race with a strong rally through the stretch and earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 83.
“I thought he ran a great race,” Hartman said. “Perfect setup, and he got a great ride.”
Francisco Arrieta was aboard in one of his four opening-day wins.
Kavod was a $50,000 claim in November, out of a winning sprint race at Churchill Downs. In the Advent, he was making his first start for the partnership of James Rogers and Michael Robinson. Hartman said Robinson, who is new to ownership, has gone 3 for 4 with his starters. He’s based in Oklahoma.
“First trip at Oaklawn and he gets the green-grass treatment,” Hartman said of the infield winner’s circle presentations after stakes at Oaklawn.
Hartman said Kavod was claimed in part because he believed he would be a useful sprinter. He said after looking more deeply at his pedigree and past route races, he believes the horse is deserving of another chance going long. Kavod is by Lea.
“I don’t know if he’s distance-limited,” Hartman said. “I have been trying to process all of that. There’s a possibility we go in the Smarty Jones.”
Hartman has 32 horses at Oaklawn.