Smarty Jones draws off by 5 in Count Fleet

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - It was more of a quiz than a test, but Smarty Jones scored high marks in his two-turn debut Saturday, rolling to a five-length victory in the $81,225 at Aqueduct to remain undefeated in three starts.

Pacesetter Risky Trick held second, six lengths ahead of Mr. Spock. Rb's Glitter, Sinister G, One Tough Dude, and a rank Distressed Debt completed the order of finish.

Smarty Jones, a son of Elusive Quality, was dominant in his first two starts - both sprints - at Philadelphia Park.

In the Count Fleet, Smarty Jones broke a step slowly and found himself behind Risky Trick and Sinister G entering the first turn.

Risky Trick, breaking from the rail under Javier Castellano, carved out fractions of 23.30 seconds, 47.03, and 1:11.78. A bit anxious early, Smarty Jones settled down nicely under Stewart Elliott.

Smarty Jones moved into second at the far turn, drew on equal terms with Risky Trick turning for home, and spurted away in the final furlong. Smarty Jones ($2.80), owned by Someday Farm, covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:41.42, the second-fastest of 21 Count Fleets at this distance.

"He answered a lot of questions," said trainer John Servis. "Laid a little off the pace; Stew said he was a little rank going into the first turn and he was a little concerned, but when they went up the backside, he settled nice."

Servis was particularly pleased that Smarty Jones was able to sit behind horses. He had won his first two races on the lead.

"I'd much rather see this than see him go wire to wire," Servis said. "It's a matter of time before he catches a horse that's going to look him in the eye, especially the farther they go. So, I'm real happy."

Servis will take Smarty Jones to Oaklawn Park for the rest of the winter to run in races such as the $100,000 Southwest (Feb. 28), $200,000 Rebel (March 20), and $1 million Arkansas Derby (April 10) and to see if his horse is Kentucky Derby-worthy.