Flat Out impressive in Smarty Jones score

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Flat Out emerged as a 3-year-old to watch this spring at Oaklawn Park when he launched an explosive move going into the stretch en route to a 3 1/2-length win over Silver Bayer in the $50,000 Smarty Jones on Monday. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Gresham in third.

The one-mile race for 3-year-olds served as a prep for the Grade 3, $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn on Feb. 16.

Flat Out ($12.60) broke out a bit at the start then settled in behind the first flight, as Professor Z and Silver Bayer battled through fractions of 23.42 seconds for the opening quarter and 47.22 seconds for the half-mile. Flat Out began his bid past the half-mile pole, came four-wide into the stretch, and overtook Silver Bayer approaching the eighth pole. He covered the distance on a fast track in 1:39.15.

Julio Garcia rode the winner for trainer Scooter Dickey. The Smarty Jones was the second consecutive win for Flat Out. He won his maiden in his second career start Dec. 14 at Fair Grounds. He is a son of Flatter and he races for Oxbow Racing LLC.

Attendance, on Monday was 12,151.