Thoroughbred racing has concluded at Hawthorne, not to return until late March.  With that, Picks and Ponderings will be casting its eyes afield, focusing most strongly on the three-year-old prep season.

The Jerome, originally scheduled for New Year’s Day, was supposed to be the first race on the Derby Trail this year.  However, bitter cold and snow have delayed Aqueduct’s first points race of 2017; that race will likely be run next weekend.  Instead, the first points of the year will be up for grabs this Saturday at Santa Anita, in the Sham Stakes (G3), which we preview in detail right here.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my preview of the Sham Stakes, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!