The Smarty Jones is a one-mile dirt race, the first in a series of Kentucky Derby preps over the Hot Springs oval.  The series continues with the Southwest Stakes (G3) on February 19, the Rebel Stakes (G2) on March 17, and the Arkansas Derby (G1) on the final day of the meet, April 14.  The Smarty Jones is the newest addition to Oaklawn’s series of Kentucky Derby preps.  The race has always been at a flat mile, but has only been run since 2008.  This year’s edition offers a $150,000 purse, as well as Road to the Kentucky Derby points (10-4-2-1) to the top four finishers.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my preview of Monday’s Smarty Jones Stakes, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!