Smoke It Right destroys Lafayette Stakes field

OPELOUSAS, La. - Smoke It Right, a runaway maiden winner in his only other start, won his stakes debut impressively in the $50,000 Lafayette Stakes Monday night at Evangeline Downs. Secret Ride rallied through the stretch to report home eight lengths back in second, followed by Jump Jump and Cool Stream in the traditional closing-night feature for 2-year-olds.

Much as he did in winning his debut by over 12 lengths in late June, Smoke It Right ($2.80) broke on top under Nathaniel Puello and steadily increased his advantage past every pole. The son of Smoke Glacken sped the six furlongs over a sloppy strip in 1:11.28.

"He broke very well and I never had to ask him to run," said Puello after the race. "He is one very fast little horse."

Trained and co-owned by Benard Chatters with Rand Metoyer, Smoke It Right earned $30,000 and has now earned $43,200.