The Southwest Stakes could not have produced a Kentucky Derby Offered by Woodford Reserve winner in 2025 because it did in 2024 with Mystik Dan, however with a seven-figure purse it’s no shock the 1 1/16-mile stakes, which has been rescueduled to Friday, Feb. 6, attracted a full subject of 14 starters. A complete of 42 qualifying factors for the Kentucky Derby may even be on the road, awarding them on a 20-10-6-4-2 foundation to the highest 5 finishers.
1. Reclamation: Earned his first profession victory Jan. 3 in his second begin. He has by no means competed in a race longer than six furlongs and his successful pace determine was mediocre, so this appears bold.
JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez; TRAINER: Christopher Davis
2. D’code: Dominant Oaklawn Park debut winner at six furlongs Dec. 14 with a blinding pace determine. Two turns is a query mark however he must be in entrance for so far as he can go.
JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Ray Ashford Jr.
3. Buetane: One among two starters from the barn of Corridor of Fame coach Bob Baffert, who has a document six wins on this race. Buetane had some hassle whereas chasing a quick tempo and ending second within the San Vicente however has the expertise to be an element.
JOCKEY: Joel Rosario; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
4. Rancho Santa Fe: Upset within the Smarty Jones Stakes right here Jan. 3, ending fifth at 2.90-1 odds. Will want take an enormous step ahead right here however choosing up reigning Eclipse Award-winning jockey Flavien Prat is an efficient signal.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Brad Cox
5. Litmus Check: Has traveled throughout the nation and acquitted himself fairly properly. Was an in depth fourth within the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Offered by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and took the Los Alamitos Futurity in a quick time final outing. Shapes up because the one to beat.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
6. Circle Faucet: Wanted 5 begins to safe his first win, though it got here in his first attempt round two turns. He’s but to indicate he can put up a pace determine quick sufficient to be an element right here.
JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr.; TRAINER: Dallas Stewart
7. Liberty Nationwide: Rallied to complete second within the Gun Runner Stakes at Truthful Grounds at this distance. Time was good and he ought to profit from a fast tempo.
JOCKEY: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Ken McPeek
8. Spirit of Royal: Wanted six races to earn his first victory. The pace determine for the win was too low to think about him on this spot.
JOCKEY: Francisco Arrieta; TRAINER: Dallas Stewart
9. Strategic Danger: Received the Smarty Jones Stakes right here whereas chasing a gradual tempo. Florida-bred ought to be capable to sit simply off the lead and pounce when requested. Appears to be like like a serious participant.
JOCKEY: Javier Castellano; TRAINER: Mark Casse
10. Bricklin: Was no issue within the Grade 3 Road Sense Stakes then returned Jan. 3 for a pointy, front-running win in an allowance race at Oaklawn. He figures to face numerous firm up entrance and will bounce off an enormous effort final time.
JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Rodolphe Brisset
11. Silent Tactic: Rallied to take second to stablemate Strategic Danger within the Smarty Jones. Must be helped by the prospect of a sooner tempo right here whereas making his second begin on a mud floor.
JOCKEY: Cristian Torres; TRAINER: Mark Casse
12. Baytown Dreamer: Didn’t present a lot late kick when third behind the gradual tempo within the Smarty Jones. He was 84.30-1 that day however is likely to be price a search for the exotics right here.
JOCKEY: Orlando Bocachica; TRAINER: Paul McEntee
13. Soldier N Diplomat: Confirmed pace within the Kentucky Jockey Membership Stakes and led on the eighth pole earlier than fading to 3rd. He has educated properly however would possibly want to beat a large journey from this put up place.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen
14. Sleepingonfreedom: Was an excellent fourth within the Smarty Jones. The skin put up place in a 14-horse subject doesn’t assist his probabilities of taking a step ahead.
JOCKEY: Emmanuel Esquivel; TRAINER: Ken McPeek
THE PICK: Litmus Check
LIVE LONGSHOT: Silent Tactic
SUPERFECTA: 5-11-9-2
