Meet the Contenders: Smarty Jones Stakes 2026
Rancho Santa Fe wins at Ellis Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
December 30th, 2025
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Universe wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#1 Universe ****
Pro: Owns the back class with three consecutive graded placings.
Con: Interesting that Hernandez sides with the other McPeek.
Baytown Dreamer wins at Ellis Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#2 Baytown Dreamer *
Pro: Speed and inside draw perhaps make him the one to catch.
Con: Lone win was on turf and seems exposed at this point.
TwinSpires
#3 Boca Beach Club ***
Pro: Has shown talent in the first two tries and is bred to like the distance.
Con: Less seasoned than most and must travel an additional three furlongs here.
TwinSpires
#4 Silent Tactic **
Pro: Has shown talent north of the border, including a close second in Grey (G3).
Con: Has not had the benefit of racing over a dirt track yet.
Rancho Santa Fe wins at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)
#5 Rancho Santa Fe *****
Pro: Has opened up his career with two wins, including a key Keeneland allowance.
Con: Barn has won this three times, but has started the meet cool.
Oscar's Hope wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#6 Oscar’s Hope ***
Pro: Saratoga grad has been first or second in all five starts.
Con: Went to Delta in search of easier stakes pickings; this is a tougher task.
Oscar's Hope gets back in the winner's circle after R10 at @churchilldowns for trainer @tomamossracing with @a_concepcion16 aboard! 💪
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) November 1, 2025
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/eORCew4D61
Strategic Risk (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Ryan Thompson)
#7 Strategic Risk ****
Pro: Romped in two-turn dirt debut, perhaps what he’s wanted to do all along.
Con: Not sure what he was beating in that restricted Gulfstream stakes.
TwinSpires
#8 Scar Ship **
Pro: Earned a respectable 89 Brisnet Speed rating in latest; adds blinkers.
Con: Has never raced outside Louisiana-bred company.
Sleepingonfreedom wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#9 Sleepingonfreedom **
Pro: Odds-on winner of two straight for potent trainer/jockey combo.
Con: Class hike from starter allowance company perhaps too steep.
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