Smarty Jones takes perfect streak to 4

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Smarty Jones remained undefeated in four career starts on Saturday, when he held off a strong bid from Two Down Automatic for a three-quarter-length win in the $100,000 at Oaklawn Park. Pro Prado, part of an entry trained by Bob Holthus, finished third, a half-length behind Two Down Automatic.

Smarty Jones ($3) was willing to settle in second behind Wildcat Shoes, who set fractions of 22.80 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.80 seconds for the half-mile. Smarty Jones overtook that one when asked at the quarter pole, and was in a drive to the wire. He covered the distance over a fast track in 1:37.57.

Stewart Elliott rode the winner for Someday Farm and trainer John Servis. Smarty Jones earned $60,000 for the win, which brings his earnings to $158,355. Servis has said the $200,000 Rebel at Oaklawn on March 20 is a goal for Smarty Jones.

Smarty Jones has been a horse of interest since he won the $65,000 Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes for statebreds by 15 lengths in November. He earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure that day, the co-fastest number for a 2-year-old last year. Smarty Jones followed that race with a five-length win in the $81,000 Count Fleet at Aqueduct.

The Southwest was the first start around two turns for Smarty Jones, who is by Elusive Quality, the sire of last year's Southwest winner, Great Notion. Smarty Jones was bred in Pennsylvania.

Attendance at Oaklawn on Saturday was 17,667.