Sloppy going no problem for Smokey Glacken

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Smokey Glacken wore down a determined Silver Wench to win the off-the-turf $55,000 Trenton Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Sunday at Monmouth Park.

Smokey Glacken ($5.20) got up by a half length as she ran the five furlongs in 57.59 seconds over the sloppy track. It was her first start since finishing third in the Old Hat Stakes at Gulfstream Park in February.

Ridden by leading jockey Joe Bravo, Smokey Glacken improved her career record to four wins in six starts. It was her third stakes victory to accompany the Grade 3 Valley Stream at Aqueduct last November and Monmouth's Forward Gal last September.

Bravo put Smokey Glacken in prime stalking position along the inside as Silver Wench and Very Vegas battled for the lead through very swift fractions.

Smokey Glacken angled to the outside on the turn and eventually subdued a stubborn Silver Wench.

"She broke great and a couple of horses were going really fast in front of her," said Bravo. "She's a pretty classy horse. She went to them with an aggressive move and coasted in for the win today."

Trainer James Jerkens, who improved his meet record to four wins from seven starters, was a little worried about the slop.

"She's run well over a wet track in the past but I don't think it's her favorite surface," said Jerkens.

Absolute Nectar, coupled with Cherish Destiny as the 6-5 favorites, recovered from a stumble at the start to get third with an inside rally.