Undefeated G2 winner Ewing, along with stablemate Strategic Risk, arrived early Monday around 4:30 a.m. (Central) after training in Florida under trainer Mark Kass, according to Caden Arthur, who manages the Hall of Fame horse’s Oaklawn division. Arthur mentioned that Ewing, who is 2-for-2, was scheduled for a workout on Sunday morning ahead of his three-year-old debut, with Kass hinting that Ewing might race in the January allowance sprint. Ewing last competed on August 2 in the six-and-a-half furlong Saratoga Special Stakes (G2).
Arthur also stated that Strategic Risk would complete an “easy half mile” workout on Saturday as preparation for the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes on January 3. The Smarty Jones, a 1 1/16-mile race, is the opening event among four Kentucky Derby qualifying races at Oaklawn. The top five finishers in this race will earn points (10-5-3-2-1) to help qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
Arthur commented, “I’m going to run a half-mile for seven days, just to get over the water a little bit and see how it goes,” adding that Kass reported Strategic Risk has been training well and looks strong. Strategic Risk’s last race victory was by nine lengths in the 1 1/16-mile limited Florida Sires In Reality Stakes on November 29 at Gulfstream Park.
Kass will also enter Silent Tactics in the Smarty Jones, marking the horse’s dirt track debut. Silent Tactics previously raced twice on Woodbine’s synthetic track in Canada and finished second in the 1 1/16-mile Gray Stakes (G3) on November 2. Arthur said Silent Tactics will also work out on Saturday morning.
Entries for the Smarty Jones Stakes will be accepted soon, with the standings to be posted Sunday. Other potential competitors include Kenny McPeak’s Universe and Sleeping on Freedom, while trainer Tom Amos plans to enter either Big Dom or Oscar’s Hope.
This update was originally published by Paulick Report on December 26, 2025.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights promising contenders gearing up for the crucial Kentucky Derby trail. The performances of these emerging stars like Ewing and Strategic Risk could shape the competitive landscape of one of the sport’s most prestigious events, fueling fan anticipation and keeping the tradition of thrilling Derby qualifiers alive.
