Jerome Draws Eight With Derby Hopes

By Margaret Ransom

The Jerome Stakes (GIII), the second-oldest stakes race in the country, was several years ago moved to January on the New York racing calendar in order for it to serve as a Kentucky Derby (GI) prep. And though no winner has emerged to even place in any of the Triple Crown races since that time, some amazing runners have captured the race. Inaugural Derby winner Aristides won the Jerome in 1875 and was followed by names like Duke of Magenta, Kelso, Fair Play, Bold Ruler, Carry Back, Crème Fraiche, Ogygian, Afleet, Housebuster and Fusaichi Pegasus.

This year, a field of eight newly minted sophomores will line up and race the one-turn mile over Aqueduct’s main track in search of the 10 valuable Kentucky Derby points that will be awarded to the winner. The wet, rainy weather that hit the New York area on Friday is expected to… (more)