Report: Aqueduct's Jerome next for Independence Hall

Independence Hall, who captured the Nashua Stakes (G3) by an impressive 12 1/4 lengths Nov. 3, will make his next start in Aqueduct's Jerome Stakes on New Year's Day.

The Daily Racing Form reports that the 2-year-old son of Constitution will target the one-mile 2020 Kentucky Derby prep after connections decided to skip next Saturday's Remsen Stakes (G2).

Trainer Michael Trombetta told the Form that the Jerome is the "logical" choice due to its timing.

"We were very concerned about running back five weeks in the Remsen,” Trombetta said. The conditioner added that the Jerome was "at a distance that he’s done, a track that he’s done, and it bought him some time off the big race last time.”

The Jerome is worth 17 qualifying points (10-4-2-1) to its top four finishers to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.

Trombetta trains Independence Hall for the ownership group of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Twin Creeks Racing, and Robert and Kathleen Verratti.

After the Jerome, Trombetta has said Independence Hall is expected to continue prepping for the Derby as his string moves to Florida. As of Saturday, the colt was 14-1 and among the top individual choices in Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.