Policy's talent can overcome hurdles in I'm Smokin Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – The distance was short of ideal, as was the work tab, but none of that mattered for Policy when he made his debut Aug. 19 at Del Mar, as he got up to win going just 5 1/2 furlongs. He’s being wheeled back just 12 days after that race in order to compete Friday in the $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for California-breds.

That’s a quick turnaround for any horse, let alone a 2-year-old, but the maiden race was a means to an end and could not have worked out better, according to Michael McCarthy, who trains Policy.

“He was probably a couple of works shy of being at his best, but with this 2-year-old stake coming up we wanted to get a race into him beforehand,” McCarthy said. “Despite being green on the backside, he put in a run. Class prevailed.”

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Owing to how well he had looked in his workouts earlier this meet, Policy was an odds-on favorite in his first start, and if improves off that effort, he will be the one to beat Friday. He drew ideally, landing the outside post in a field of eight going six furlongs.

His main rivals figure to be Oliver, who won a maiden race earlier this summer before finishing third in the Graduation Stakes for California-breds on Aug. 4, and Silken Prince, who closed well to defeat maidens after a dreadful start going six furlongs in his lone outing.

The I’m Smokin goes as race 2 on an eight-race card that begins at 3:30 p.m. Pacific.

KEY CONTENDERS

Policy, by Strong Mandate

Beyer: 63

◗ He touted himself at the Ocala sale in April, eventually going for $250,000 to a partnership that includes Eclipse Thoroughbreds and hockey star Erik Johnson.

◗ Drayden Van Dyke, who rode Policy in his first start, is back aboard. He’s seeking to pad his lead in the stakes-wins column among jockeys this summer.

Oliver, by Papa Clem

Last 3 Beyers: 65-67-60

◗ He’s the most-experienced horse in the race, with four starts.

◗ He is reunited with Joe Talamo, who rode him in his first three races, including his maiden victory.

Silken Prince, by Kafwain

Beyer: 55

◗ He showed quite a bit of try in his lone start when rallying for the win after a poor start.

Eighty Proof, by Coil

Beyer: 61

◗ A gelding by Coil, he was risked for $50,000 first time out and there were no takers – good news for owner, breeder, and trainer Mick Ruis, who watched him tally by 3 1/2 lengths.

◗ Martin Garcia rides him after also riding Oliver in his last start.