OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The spotlight turns to Oklahoma-bred three-year-olds in the upcoming Jim Thorpe Stakes at Remington Park, a one-mile dirt contest offering a robust $50,000 purse, bolstered by an additional $20,000 from the Oklahoma Bred Program. With a field stacked with well-bred talent and varying race experience, this stakes event promises to be one of the meet’s most telling tests of form and strategy.
Race Conditions
- Distance: 1 mile (dirt)
- Eligibility: Accredited Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds
- Weight Assignments:
- Standard: 122 lbs
- Allowance: -2 lbs for non-winners of $15K twice in 2023–24
- -4 lbs for non-winners of such a race since
- Entry Fee: $300
- Purse Breakdown:
- $50,000 total
- $30,000 Remington purse account
- $20,000 Oklahoma Bred Program contribution
Contender Roster
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | Pedigree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send Off | R E Eramia | S N Davidson | 116 lbs | Saturday Launch × Serafina Song (Langfuhr) |
| Red Mountain | S Elliott | S Martin | 120 lbs | Sky Mesa × Deputy’s Whirl (Deputy Slew) |
| Mind Bolt | J L Alvarez | W B Calhoun | 122 lbs | Bolt d’Oro × Gwithian (Street Sense) |
| Flat Hanby | F Wethey Jr. | B Caster | 122 lbs | Flat Out × Jealous Ellis (Ocean Terrace) |
| Whiskey With You | I V Diego | R E Cravens III | 116 lbs | Magna Graduate × Moves Last Sunset (Sahm) |
| Mortify | D Cabrera | J Castellanos | 122 lbs | Flat Out × Dame Fortune (Into Mischief) |
| Okie Smoke | A Triana Jr. | J Padilla | 122 lbs | Caleb’s Posse × Okie Smokey (Cavvy) |
Race Analysis & Contender Insights
- Mind Bolt – Carries top weight and comes from a classy pedigree. With Alvarez in the irons and Calhoun calling the shots, this colt has the credentials to shine.
- Flat Hanby – Sharing top weight with Mind Bolt, he benefits from strong connections and could battle for the lead if the early fractions are manageable.
- Okie Smoke – Brings pedigree strength and recent form; Padilla’s barn is heating up and this gelding may bring the fire.
- Red Mountain – Slightly lighter at 120 lbs, striking a favorable balance of stamina and speed. A potential sleeper if the front-runners press too early.
- Send Off / Whiskey With You – Lightest in the field at 116 lbs, which may offer an edge in agility if the pace is quick. Ideal exotic boosters.
- Mortify – Flat Out progeny with stout connections; could grind his way into contention late if others tire.
Strategic Outlook
- Weight Management: With several contenders carrying 122 lbs, strategic use of allowances will be critical for stamina management.
- Pace Projection: Expect early challenges from Flat Hanby and Okie Smoke; closers like Mortify and Red Mountain could capitalize if the frontrunners duel.
Final Word
The Jim Thorpe Stakes showcases the best of Oklahoma’s three-year-old class, with pedigree-rich runners, diverse race styles, and jockeys capable of tipping the balance. With added incentives from the Oklahoma Bred Program and a tightly matched field, this race promises drama from gate to wire.
