Tipsheet: 2024 Jerome Stakes

A compact field of five will travel one mile on the Aqueduct main surface in Saturday’s $150,000 Jerome S. A total of 21 qualifying points towards the 2024 Kentucky Derby are on the line in the challenge series tilt. 

Jerome Stakes Picks

• #1 Drum Roll Please
• #5 Regalo
• #4 El Grande O

Jerome Stakes Wagers

• $30 win #1 Drum Roll Please
• $15 exacta 1 with 5
• $5 trifecta key 1 with 4,5

Jerome Stakes Contenders

#1 DRUM ROLL PLEASE: Brad Cox charge graduated well on the oval two back prior to finishing a clear third in the Remsen S. (G2) on the oval in his latest endeavor. This talented Hard Spun colt has run well in both tries at today’s distance, as well as both races on the surface, and he also has the right running style to run the field down late after saving ground early. Javier Castellano will pilot the Keystone State-bred. 

#2 KHANATE: Pletcher pupil exits a tough allowance heat at Churchill Downs when finishing sixth and has obvious room for improvement in this endeavor. The Hightail colt broke his maiden by 10 lengths at Keeneland two starts back, and something resembling that showing will give him a chance in the small field with Manny Franco in the controls. 

#3 SWEET SODDY J: Two-time stakes victor has lacked consistency to this stage of his development, but he can be a dangerous foe on his best day. This Ray Ginter charge led at every call in a powerful score in the Heft S. at Laurel last time out, and he will have a say in this event with any kind of forward move on Saturday. Dylan Davis will put the gelded son of Bee Jersey in the mix from the start. 

#4 EL GRANDE O: Accomplished New York bred has won or placed in seven of eight career attempts to date and is an obvious contender on this occasion. The Take Charge Indy colt is a two-time winner on the course and was last seen dusting his foes in the Sleepy Hollow S. at the distance most recently. This Linda Rice trainee will be forcing the tempo from the opening bell with Kendrick Carmouche signed on.  

#5 REGALO: Maximus Mischief colt has performed well in each of his trio of career races to date and might be up to the task while making his black-type debut for trainer Brittany Russell. This Kentucky-bred bay passed his route debut with flying colors most recently, and he has the right running style to receive a perfect voyage throughout from the outside slot, too. Regular pilot Sheldon Russell comes in to ride the Maryland invader.