Frankel gets undefeated colt

Edmund Gann and trainer Bobby Frankel, who have had phenomenal success purchasing racehorses out of the Midwest, bought the undefeated 3-year-old colt Watchem Smokey from Louisiana Downs-based horseman Cecil Borel on Wednesday.

The colt was scheduled to be flown to New York to join Frankel's stable on Thursday.

Borel, who owned and trained Watchem Smokey, guided the colt to six victories in six career starts. All of Watchem Smokey's races have been sprints, with his latest score coming July 5 in the $50,000 Airline. Watchem Smokey earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 107 for that race.

"I wanted to hang on to him, but the money got real good, and he's going to a good place," said Borel. "It's a good deal for everybody."

Borel would not reveal the selling price other than to say it was in the six figures. He said that he was contacted about selling Watchem Smokey last Saturday by bloodstock agent Mark Reid. The deal closed after the colt, a son of Alphabet Soup, went through veterinary inspections at Louisiana Downs.

Gann has purchased some standout runners from the Midwest in recent years. You, who was based at Churchill Downs, has gone on to win five Grade 1 races for her new owner while Medaglia d'Oro, who was sold during the 2002 Oaklawn meet, has won two, including last Saturday's Whitney.