Smokey Image points to Golden State Juvenile

DEL MAR, Calif. – Smokey Image extended his unbeaten streak to four races with a sharp win Friday in the $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for 2-year-old California-breds at Del Mar.

Trainer Greg James, based in Northern California, is likely to look south again for a chance to extend Smokey Image’s streak this fall. After the I’m Smokin, James said the next goal is the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for California-bred 2-year-olds at seven furlongs here Oct. 30.

Smokey Image won the six-furlong I’m Smokin by 4 1/4 lengths, fighting off Found Money in the early stretch before pulling away. James and jockey Juan Hernandez thought Smokey Image would race from off the pace, but the colt disputed the lead after the start.

“I let him go because he was comfortable,” Hernandez said. “The other horse gave me some pressure. I waited for the stretch, and when I asked him, he responded really well.”

Smokey Image ($3.20) ran six furlongs in a quick 1:09.60.

Smokey Image gave James, 65, his first stakes win at Del Mar and in Southern California.

“I thought there would be a lot of speed,” James said. “He broke so well he went on with it. Look at that time – for a 2-year-old!”

Smokey Image, who has earned $187,500, races for Robert and Betty Irvin, who bred the colt through their C Punch Ranch. By Southern Image, Smokey Image has won three stakes in his brief career, including the Everett Nevin Futurity at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meeting July 5 and the Cavonnier Juvenile at Santa Rosa on Aug. 16.