Best Actor looks the part in Smarty Jones score
It could be argued that if not for a poor break in last month's Indiana Derby, Best Actor would have entered Tuesday's Grade 3, $300,000 Smarty Jones Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles undefeated in three starts.
Best Actor stumbled at the start at Horseshoe Indianapolis, was soon pinched between horses, then raced wide chasing a very slow pace. Despite the stressful journey, Best Actor rallied for second, beaten a half-length by Actuator.
Best Actor broke much better in the Smarty Jones, prompted longshot leader Practical Coach through moderate fractions of 23.76 and 47.72 seconds, took over the lead after six furlongs in 1:11.97, and drove home while racing on his left lead to win the local prep for Parx Racing's Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 24 by 5 3/4 lengths over 12-1 Kissalot.
“The way he was able to get away today compared to last time, we were hopeful for a better result,” said trainer Brad Cox in a telephone interview after the Smarty Jones. “He broke running, put himself in a great spot, and was travelling well throughout. I thought he ran the best race of his lightly raced career. He put some separation on some really nice horses.”
Cox said the Pennsylvania Derby is “definitely on the radar.”
Best Actor completed the distance over the drying-out but fast track in 1:44.14 and returned $7.80 as the second choice in the betting. He was ridden by Florent Geroux.
Race favorite Creative Minister, third in the Preakness Stakes, was another two lengths back in third. They were followed by Golden Alchemist, Practical Coach, Clapton, Witty, and Pioneer of Medina. Camp David and Icy Storm were scratched.
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Creative Minister saved ground in midpack under Brian Hernandez Jr., was hard-ridden on the second turn, eased out in the stretch and could only muster an even rally.
Best Actor, a son of Flatter trained by Brad Cox for Gary and Mary West, sold for $330,000 as a Keeneland September yearling in 2020. The late-bloomer made his career debut in a maiden special weight at Oaklawn Park on April 16 and posted a gate-to-wire victory over sloppy going.
Best Actor successfully stepped up to a first-level allowance at Churchill Downs on June 12 and showed his versatility by rating off the pace before blowing by to win by four lengths in the off-turf heat.
Bred in Kentucky by E.H. Beau Lane, Gail McMichael Lane, J.B. Lane Orem, and Michael Orem, Best Actor hails from a quality female family. His second dam, Spun Sugar, won two Grade 1 races and is a full sister to Cigar Mile hero Daaher.
Cox and Geroux won the Smarty Jones for the second consecutive year after Fulsome prevailed for Juddmonte Farms in 2021.