The racing world turns its eyes to Oklahoma City this weekend as Remington Park hosts its crown jewel, the $300,000 Springboard Mile. This race represents much more than a local stakes trophy; it serves as a critical junction on the Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby, offering qualifying points to the top five finishers. This year’s field is one of the most geographically diverse and talented lineups in the race’s history. From New York-bred speedsters to Churchill Downs veterans, the 2025 edition promises tactical intrigue and high-value opportunities for those looking to bet on Springboard Mile action.
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When you look at the Springboard Mile odds, the first thing you notice is the presence of several powerhouse stables. Steve Asmussen, the winningest trainer in North American history, brings a three-pronged attack to a race he has dominated in the past.
However, the 2025 landscape has shifted with the arrival of Michael Maker’s Arctic Beast, a horse that has dominated the competition in New York. Navigating the Springboard Mile betting landscape requires balancing respect for proven class with identifying emerging speed figures that might thrive on the unique Remington Park surface.
Arctic Beast enters the 2025 Springboard Mile as one of the most fascinating prospects in the field. Sired by Yaupon, this Michael Maker trainee recently decimated the field in the 2025 New York Breeders' Futurity. His 118 speed rating in that effort stands out as a massive outlier in this field, making his 4-1 Springboard Mile odds look like a potential gift for early bettors. With Ricardo Santana, Jr. in the irons, expect this colt to utilize his rail draw to establish a prominent position early. If he translates his Finger Lakes and Saratoga form to the one-mile distance, he could simply run the rest of these off their feet.
Steve Asmussen sends out Time For Music with high expectations following a gritty second-place finish at Churchill Downs in late November. This son of Not This Time possesses the tactical flexibility that often wins races like this. Erik Asmussen takes the mount, and the pair will likely sit just off the lead. At 9-2 in the Springboard Mile betting market, he represents the "safe" play for many handicappers. His experience in a high-level allowance company at Churchill Downs gives him a class edge over the local Oklahoma-based horses, making him a mandatory inclusion in all exotic tickets.
Essential Time, representing the sire Essential Quality, comes into this race after a third-place finish in a Remington Park allowance on November 6. While his speed figures (89 last out) need to improve to compete with the likes of Arctic Beast, trainer Danny Pish has a knack for having his horses ready for the big stage in Oklahoma. Iram Vargas Diego knows this track as well as anyone, which is a major plus when navigating a twelve-horse field. At 6-1, he offers a middle-tier value for those looking to bet on Springboard Mile longshots who have a home-court advantage.
C.R. Trout is a legendary name at Remington Park, and Royalamerican is his latest stable star. This gelding by Upstart is coming off a dominant victory in the Don C. McNeill Stakes, where he posted a respectable 91 rating. David Cabrera, a perennial leader in the Remington jockey standings, retains the mount. While the 12-1 Springboard Mile odds suggest he is an underdog, local fans know that Trout’s horses often find an extra gear in December. He needs to prove he can handle the step up in class against national shippers, but his familiarity with the surface is a dangerous weapon.
Stetson Rushton brings My Dream Zapper south following a solid second-place effort in the Gold Rush Futurity. This Ghostzapper gelding has shown plenty of heart in his early career, but he faces a steep climb here at 20-1. Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez will need to find a way to save ground from the middle of the pack. To be a factor in the Springboard Mile betting, he must improve significantly on his speed figures. However, Ghostzapper progeny often improve as the distances get longer, so a late-running slice of the purse isn't out of the question for this Canadian-bred runner.
Kenny McPeek is a master at identifying young talent, and Supreme Good looks like a classic "McPeek improver." After breaking his maiden at Aqueduct in September, this son of Supremacy has been given time to mature. Christopher Elliott travels to take the ride, which usually signals the barn's intent. Sitting at 8-1 on the morning line, he is the type of horse that could explode in his first start around two turns. When you bet on Springboard Mile futures, you look for horses with this kind of pedigree and trainer intent. He is a primary candidate to outrun his odds.
Spice Runner is the deserved 3-1 morning line favorite and the centerpiece of the Springboard Mile odds board. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by the veteran Stewart Elliott, this Gun Runner colt has already tested deep waters in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club. Although he finished 7th that day, the experience of running against the nation’s best at Churchill Downs is invaluable. Gun Runner is currently the hottest sire in the world, and Spice Runner has the stalking style that typically plays well in this race. He is the horse everyone else has to beat to get to the winner's circle.
The third Asmussen entry, Way Beyond, comes in at 12-1 after a 4th place finish in the Jean Lafitte. Sired by Twirling Candy, this colt has shown glimpses of talent but has struggled with consistency. Ramon Vazquez is a top-tier addition to the saddle, and his presence suggests the barn hasn't given up on this runner yet. In the context of Springboard Mile betting, Way Beyond is a "price horse" that could blow up the trifecta if the pace gets too hot for the front-runners. He has the breeding to handle the mile, provided he can find a clear path from his outside draw.
Western Man enters the fray with a perfect local record after breaking his maiden at Remington Park on November 28. Joe Offolter is a respected local conditioner, and Richard Eramia is a clinical finisher in the stretch. While his 20-1 Springboard Mile odds reflect the jump from maiden company to stakes company, his 102 speed rating in his debut is actually quite competitive. He is the "dark horse" of the 2025 field. If the favorites regress even slightly, Western Man has the local momentum to make a massive impact on the tote board.
Big Apple Patrick ships in for Daniel Leitch after a solid 3rd place finish at Churchill Downs. Union Rags' offspring usually want every bit of the mile, and this colt is no exception. Walter Rodriguez takes the mount at 15-1. His 96 speed rating in a tough Churchill starter race suggests he belongs in this company. For those looking to bet on Springboard Mile outcomes with a bit of "NYC" flair, Patrick offers a grinding style that could see him pass tired horses in the final furlong. He is a must-use at the bottom of your superfecta.
Jets Rio, a son of the legendary Candy Ride, comes off a maiden victory at Remington for trainer Ron Moquett. While he is the longest shot on the board at 30-1, you can never completely ignore a Moquett trainee at this track. Rene Diaz will have to overcome a difficult wide draw, which is why his Springboard Mile odds are so high. He will likely need to send early to avoid getting hung out wide on the first turn. While a win seems unlikely, he could provide the early pace pressure that shapes how the favorites like Spice Runner and Arctic Beast have to run.
Rounding out the field is Express Kid, a Bodexpress colt trained by Wade Rarick. He has already shown he loves the Remington surface, winning an allowance here in November with a 94 rating. Jose Alvarez is a veteran who knows how to handle the "outside looking in" post position. At 20-1, he is another local option that provides value in the Springboard Mile betting pools. He has tactical speed, which he will need to use aggressively to get over from post 12. If he can clear the field or tuck in early, he is a live longshot for a minor award.
The 2025 Springboard Mile is expected to feature a high-octane pace. Arctic Beast (1) and Jets Rio (11) are almost sure to vie for the early lead, while Royalamerican (4) and Spice Runner (7) should be stalking just behind them. This setup favors a horse with "mid-pack" tactical speed—someone who can watch the battle unfold and move at the top of the stretch. Spice Runner fits this mold perfectly, but the sheer speed of Arctic Beast cannot be ignored. If Arctic Beast gets loose on a comfortable lead, the rest of the field might be running for second place from the quarter pole home.
The 2025 Springboard Mile is more than just a race; it is a showcase of the next generation of Triple Crown contenders. Whether you prefer the raw speed of Arctic Beast, the seasoned class of Spice Runner, or the local grit of Royalamerican, this field offers something for every type of investor.
As the gates fly open under the Remington lights, legacies will be born, and Derby dreams will either flourish or fade. Make sure your bankroll is ready, study the final Springboard Mile odds, and prepare for a thrilling finish that will echo all the way to Churchill Downs.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
