The Springboard Mile at Remington Park is set to showcase an exciting group of 2-year-old horses on Friday, December 15, 2024, at 11:26 p.m. EST. This race is an important prep for the Kentucky Derby, offering not only valuable experience but also a chance to earn points toward a Derby spot. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this race so thrilling and the key horses to watch.
What Makes the Springboard Mile Special?
The Springboard Mile is a one-mile race featuring 12 young horses. These competitors are known for their speed and potential, making this race a great preview of future stars. Many trainers use this race to test their horses’ abilities over longer distances and against tougher competition.
Key Horses to Watch
1. Speed King
Speed King is one of the fastest horses in the race. Trained by Ron Moquett, this colt showed incredible early and late speed in his debut at Churchill Downs, winning at 22-1 odds. He earned a strong 91 Brisnet late-pace rating, making him a top contender. At morning line odds of 7-2, he offers solid value.
2. Coal Battle
Coal Battle is a wild card. With odds at 10-1, he hasn’t raced on a fast dirt track yet but has shown impressive results on wet surfaces. He’s a strong contender, though there’s some uncertainty about how he’ll perform on dry ground.
3. Jolly Samurai
Jolly Samurai, undefeated in three starts, is another exciting horse to watch. Known for his strong finishes, he achieved a 104 Brisnet late-pace rating, one of the best in this field. However, catching Speed King could be tough. At 4-1 odds, he’s worth a closer look.
Betting Insights and Strategy
This year’s Springboard Mile has a mix of speedsters and closers, making it a tactical race. Trainer Steve Asmussen has three horses in the field, which could impact betting value. While Speed King seems like the top choice, Coal Battle and Jolly Samurai are interesting options for exotic bets, such as trifectas or exactas. Keep an eye on the odds as the race approaches to find the best value.
Horse Line-Up and Odds
Here’s a quick look at the 12 horses competing:
| Post | Horse Name | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coal Battle | Lonnie Briley | Juan P. Vargas | 10-1 |
| 2 | Blue Angel | Steven Asmussen | David Cabrera | 15-1 |
| 3 | Speed King | Ron Moquett | Rafael Bejarano | 7-2 |
| 7 | Jolly Samurai | Danny Pish | Rene Diaz | 4-1 |
| 9 | Dr Ruben M | Doug O’Neill | Edwin Maldonado | 6-1 |
| 12 | Keeno | Steven Asmussen | Jermaine Bridgmohan | 12-1 |
The full list includes promising longshots like Brooklyn Alley Cat (20-1) and Medicine Dog (20-1), offering options for risk-takers.
Conclusion
The Springboard Mile at Remington Park is an exciting opportunity to see some of the top young horses in action. With its mix of fast starters and strong finishers, this race promises drama from start to finish. Speed King looks like the horse to beat, but Coal Battle and Jolly Samurai could also make a splash. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just watching for fun, this race is a must-see on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
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