Compact field expected for the Derby trail's Jerome Stakes

It could be only a matter of breaking from the gate to earn points in the next 2020 Kentucky Derby prep, as New York Racing Association officials are expecting a compact field for Wednesday's $150,000 Jerome Stakes.

As of Thursday morning, ahead of a Sunday entry deadline, four horses are on the list led by Independence Hall, the Nashua Stakes (G3) winner who's liable to be scaring off some competition.

Well rested since a Nov. 3 romp going this same 1-mile trip, the Michael Trombetta trainee is 2-for-2 and completed major preparations for the Jerome on Thursday when breezing a half mile in 49.40 on the dirt at Maryland's Fair Hill training center.

Away cleaner in the Nashua, Independence Hall coasted under the wire 12 1/4 lengths in front, and new jockey Jose Ortiz said after the race that, "I don't think any other 2-year-old out there can kick like him."

Already the 8-1 co-favorite at William Hill U.S. to win the Derby, Independence Hall could become the sole top choice if he's to back up his Nashua performance in the Jerome.

RELATED: Independence Hall offers 'sky blue potential'

The Jerome, which offers Derby qualifying points on a 10-4-2-1 scale to its Top 4 finishers, may include just three rivals for Independence Hall. Other current probables from the 17 nominations are...

Bourbon Bay: The New York-bred son of Bayern sports some of the same connections as Bourbon War, a familiar name from last year's Derby trail. The Mark Hennig trainee broke his maiden second out on Dec. 5 at Aqueduct when stretched from 6 1/2 to 7 furlongs. He was the odds-on favorite but was forced to rally after steadying at the start.

Celtic Striker: Also a maiden winner of his second start, this Congrats colt raced perviously at Monmouth Park. He'd enter the Jerome off a layoff dating back to Oct. 27, when he prevailed going 6 furlongs over the New Jersey oval. Celtic Striker led at every call that day and could end up the speed in this short field.

Laddie Liam: This Maryland-bred winner of Laurel Park's Maryland Juvenile Futurity was subsequently sold for Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December sale record $450,000 to DJ Stable. Gary Contessa will train the winner of three races from five starts, who tuned up for the new barn with a five-furlong bullet work Sunday over Belmont Park's training track.