On a day when all Thoroughbreds enjoy a happy birthday, Monday will also offer a special present for the connections of one fortunate newly turned 3-year-old in the Smarty Jones Stakes. The $300,000 stakes at Oaklawn Park will provide the winner with the lion’s share of a hefty purse plus the initial payout of 2024 Kentucky Derby qualifying points as 10-5-3-2-1 points will be awarded to the top finishers.

1. Informed Patriot  (8-1 morning line): Was a promising third in the Street Sense Stakes but then took a step backwards with a third in an allowance race. Others seem to be entering in a better form cycle here but he does offer some value as a longshot play.

JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr. TRAINER: Steve Asmussen

2. Catching Freedom (9-2): Was a sharp debut winner then settled for fourth in an allowance race. Seems to be going in the wrong direction.

JOCKEY: Cristian Torres TRAINER: Brad Cox 

Lagynos. (Jessica Morgan)

3. Lagynos (6-1) Won despite a wide trip last time and owns a victory at the distance. Merits strong consideration in a wide-open field.

JOCKEY: Joel Rosario TRAINER: Steve Asmussen

4. Mystik Dan (5-1): Flopped when he stretched out to a mile last time following a big win in fast time in a maiden sprint. The distance of this race could once again pose a problem.

JOCKEY: Julien Leparoux TRAINER: Ken McPeek

5. Mo Winning (20-1): Was an easy winner of his Remington Park career debut and has worked in a solid fashion since then. Seems capable of being a factor in this field.

JOCKEY: Harry Hernandez TRAINER: Robertino Diodoro

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6. Gettysburg Address (7-2): Posted a debut win for top connections and then tired in the final furlong of a stakes contested on a sloppy track. Could be tough to catch on a dry surface.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat TRAINER: Brad Cox 

7. Just Steel (9-5): Earned a big speed figure for Hall of Famer Wayne Lukas while winning the Ed Brown Stakes, but that was at 6 1/2 furlongs. His early speed figures to put him on or near the lead, but there could be a lively pace battle in the making.

JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez TRAINER: D. Wayne Lukas

8. Chaperone (30-1): Comes off a maiden win in a sprint, but two previous two-turn tries inspire little confidence here.

JOCKEY: Keith Asmussen TRAINER: Ron Moquett

9. Fidget (15-1): Another who figures to be involved in the early pace. Won his dirt debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis and could be a factor with continued improvement.

JOCKEY: Martin Chuan TRAINER: Brad Cox 

THE PICK: Lagynos

LIVE LONGSHOT: Informed Patriot 

SUPERFECTA: 3-6-7-1