Backtalk first graded winner for Smarty Jones

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Backtalk rewarded his many backers and became the first North American graded stakes winner for his famous sire, Smarty Jones, when rallying to win the on Friday at Churchill Downs.

With Miguel Mena aboard, Backtalk returned $3.60 after splitting horses and overtaking Flatter Than Me near the sixteenth pole to win by a length. Brassy Boy was another 1 1/2 lengths back in a field of eight 2-year-olds.

Tom Amoss trains Backtalk for the Gold Mark Farm. The winner finished the six-furlong distance in 1:11.08. His lone prior start resulted in a maiden victory at Churchill last month.

Smarty Jones posted the greatest victory of his career when capturing the 2004 Kentucky Derby at Churchill. His first crop are 3-year-olds.