Smarty Jones won the 2004 Kentucky Derby, capturing the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown with a decisive four-and-a-half-length victory on May 1, 2004. Bred and owned by the Phipps family, trained by John Servis, and ridden by jockey Stewart Elliott, the colt exemplified strong prep form and drew an enthusiastic crowd at Churchill Downs. That year’s field featured competitive runners including multiple stakes winner Friends Lake and Blue Grass Stakes runner-up Harlan in Train, yet Smarty Jones’ speed and closing ability set him apart. The race unfolded on a fast track with a brisk pace, and his margin reflected both talent and favorable trip. Smarty Jones’ triumph capped a dominant two-year-old campaign and generated high expectations for his Triple Crown bid.
Race Result and Official Chart
The 2004 Kentucky Derby concluded with a clear leader and separated contenders in the final strides. Below is a concise overview of the top finishers, post times, margin, and track conditions as officially recorded.
| Finish | Program Number | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Margin | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | Smarty Jones | Stewart Elliott | John Servis | Phipps Stable | — | 2:04.06 |
| 2 | 11 | Friends Lake | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher | IEAH Stables | 3 1/2 lengths | 2:04.44 |
| 3 | 5 | Harlan in Train | Robby Albarado | D. Wayne Lukas | Bob & Beverly Lewis | 4 1/4 lengths | 2:04.72 |
| 4 | 8 | Pico CentralGarrett Gomez | Richard E. Dutrow Jr. | Team Valor | 5 1/4 lengths | 2:05.03 | |
| 5 | 10 | Eddington | Edgar Prado | Robert M. Coluccio | Robert M. Coluccio | 6 1/4 lengths | 2:05.29 |
Key Contenders and Form
Going into the 2004 Run for the Roses, Smarty Jones entered as the morning-line favorite after a five-for-five record as a two-year-old, including Grade I wins. Friends Lake, who finished second, was known for his versatility and had multiple stakes success, while Harlan in Train brought experience from the Blue Grass Stakes. Pico Central and Eddington added depth with solid graded stakes records. The connections prepared for a tactical race, aware that an early lead could dictate the outcome against this quality field.
Race Day Conditions and Strategy
The track was fast, and the pace was brisk as Smarty Jones settled just behind the leaders before moving forward mid-stretch. Elliott’s restrained ride allowed the colt to unleash a strong drive, opening a gap that Friends Lake could not close. The winning fractions reflected efficient energy management: quick early fractions that still preserved a strong closing position. Such combinations of pace, preparation, and jockey execution are often decisive at Churchill Downs in May.
Legacy and Subsequent Form
By winning the Kentucky Derby, Smarty Jones set up an attempt at the U.S. Triple Crown. He followed the Derby with a victory in the Preakness Stakes but fell short in the Belmont Stakes, where an injury and a near-collapse in the stretch denied him the coveted three-race sweep. Still, his 2004 Derby stands as a benchmark for two-year-old excellence and remains a prominent chapter in the Phipps family’s racing legacy. The performance highlighted the value of consistent prep work and a supportive racing environment.
Context Within the Modern Derby Era
Since the 2000s, the Kentucky Derby has often featured speed-centric winners and diverse draw dynamics. Smarty Jones’ 2004 win aligns with an era in which well-prepared two-year-olds and skilled tactical teams shape outcomes. Trainers, owners, and bettors continue to study these editions to understand how pace, class, and distance readiness interact. The 2004 field is remembered for its competitiveness and the clarity of the result, underscoring how preparation and race execution can separate champions from runners-up.