Stakes Preview: Remington Springboard Mile Stakes

The Remington Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington Park is one of the most anticipated races of the year, offering a purse of $300,000, plus an additional $30,000 from the Oklahoma Bred Program. This race covers one mile and is open to two-year-olds. Let’s dive into the details and analyze the contenders.

Race Details

• Purse: $300,000 (plus $30,000 from the Oklahoma Bred Program)
• Distance: One Mile
• Eligibility: Two-Year-Olds
• Entry Fee: No nomination fee
• Starters to Pay: $2,000 additional with $300,000 Guaranteed
• Supplementary Nominations: $8,000 at the time of entry, which qualifies to start
• Weights: 121 lbs
• Limit: Limited to twelve (12) starters
• Distribution: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth, and 3% to fifth
• Automatic Nominations: Top three finishers get an automatic nomination to the Oklahoma Derby in 2025
• Kentucky Derby Points: Certain finishing positions will earn points to qualify for the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Contenders and Weights

1. Coal Battle (KY)
   1. Jockey: J P Vargas
   1. Trainer: L Briley
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Norman Stables, LLC (Robert Norman)
   1. Pedigree: Coal Front – Wolfblade, by Midshipman
2. Blue Angel (KY)
   1. Jockey: D Cabrera
   1. Trainer: S M Asmussen
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Three Chimneys Farm, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Madison Mattmiller
   1. Pedigree: Gun Runner – Sky America, by Sky Mesa
3. Speed King (KY)
   1. Jockey: R Bejarano
   1. Trainer: R Moquett
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Triton Thoroughbreds LLC
   1. Pedigree: Volatile – Athenian Beauty, by Corinthian
4. Dominant Spirit (KY)
   1. Jockey: J L Alvarez
   1. Trainer: W B Calhoun
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Martin Racing Stable LLC, Bob Gorsky, Circustown Racing Stables, LLC, D and B Racing, LLC (William Martin, Jr.) and Luke Brown
   1. Pedigree: Mohaymen – Town Belle, by Speightstown
5. Brooklyn Alley Cat (KY)
   1. Jockey: I V Diego
   1. Trainer: D Pish
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Jay Hester and Danny Pish
   1. Pedigree: Ministers Wild Cat – Dream On Kayla, by Decarchy
6. Essay (TX)
   1. Jockey: R E Eramia
   1. Trainer: W B Calhoun
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Collinsworth Thoroughbred Racing LLC (Coy Mark Collinsworth)
   1. Pedigree: Thousand Words – Annihilation, by Northern Afleet
7. Jolly Samurai (TX)
   1. Jockey: R Diaz
   1. Trainer: D Pish
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Jake Brown
   1. Pedigree: First Samurai – Jolly Good, by Paddy O’Prado
8. Complex Music (KY)
   1. Jockey: S Elliott
   1. Trainer: S M Asmussen
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: Mike McCarty
   1. Pedigree: Complexity – Auspiciously, by Malibu Moon
9. Dr Ruben M (KY)
   1. Jockey: E A Maldonado
   1. Trainer: D F O’Neill
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
   1. Owner: The Del Mar Group
   1. Pedigree: Vino Rosso – Xoxo, by Majestic Warrior
10. Medicine Dog (KY)
    1. Jockey: F Wethey Jr.
    1. Trainer: S N Davidson
    1. Weight: 121 lbs
    1. Owner: Henry S. Witt, Jr.
    1. Pedigree: Constitution – Royal Charlotte, by Cairo Prince
11. Mister Omaha (OK)
    1. Jockey: L S Quinonez
    1. Trainer: J S Offolter
    1. Weight: 121 lbs
    1. Owner: Bryan L. Hawk
    1. Pedigree: Omaha Beach – Cosmic Code, by Into Mischief
12. Keeno (KY)
    1. Jockey: J V Bridgmohan
    1. Trainer: S M Asmussen
    1. Weight: 121 lbs
    1. Owner: Calumet Farm (Brad Kelley)
    1. Pedigree: Keen Ice – Siesta Time, by Tapit

Key Contenders

• Speed King (KY): A standout performer with a strong debut win at Churchill Downs, Speed King is a formidable contender. Trained by Ron Moquett, he has shown impressive speed and potential.
• Coal Battle (KY): With two wins on dirt, including a victory in the Jean Lafitte Stakes at Delta Downs, Coal Battle is another horse to watch. However, his performance over the mile distance remains a question mark.
• Jolly Samurai (TX): A local favorite with a perfect 3-for-3 record at Remington Park, Jolly Samurai has shown consistent performance and late-race rallies.

Strategic Considerations

• Weights and Allowances: The race favors horses with higher weights and significant earnings in 2024. Non-winners of substantial sums receive allowances, potentially leveling the playing field.
• Performance Metrics: Evaluating past performances, as recorded by Equibase, will help in assessing each horse’s potential.

Final Thoughts

The Remington Springboard Mile Stakes promises to be an exciting race with a mix of seasoned and promising contenders. With significant prize money and Kentucky Derby qualification points on the line, it will be interesting to see which horse comes out on top.