Smokey Image stays perfect in Cavonnier Juvenile

Getting a patient ride from Juan Hernandez, the odds-on Smokey Image ($2.40) ran his career record to 3 for 3 with an easy victory in the $62,310 Cavonnier Juvenile Stakes on Sunday’s closing-day card at the Sonoma County Fair at Santa Rosa.

The homebred Southern Image 2-year-old was boxed in down the backstretch and into the turn by dueling leaders Taste’s Secret, Yes I’m Wild, and Algenon while inside Dr. Crabby.

Hernandez tried to relax Smokey Image, who was tossing his head while getting hit by dirt. He stayed inside, but when Dr. Crabby began to fade, Hernandez eased his mount outside for a four-wide move.

“Juan’s so smart. He knew he couldn’t get through on the rail, so he went four wide in the clear,” said winning trainer Greg James. “Of my last 12 wins, he’s won 11 and Russell Baze one.”

Smokey Image had all the momentum into the lane as he took after Algenon, who had taken a clear lead at the eighth pole. Three left-handed cracks of the whip spurred Smokey Image to the lead, collaring Algenon quickly and pulling clear with ease.

The victory was worth $41,200 for owner-breeders Betty and Robert Irvin. Smokey Image now has earned $102,100 for his three victories.

“A lot of credit goes to my great assistant, Mary Tanian,” said James. “She’s the only one who has ever got on him in the morning. A jockey’s never worked him.”

James said Smokey Image ran in the Cavonnier for his first start since winning the Everett Nevin at Oak Tree at Pleasanton on July 5 because he wanted to give him a race before sending him to Del Mar next month.

James and the Irvins will weigh their options for the $150,000 I’m Smokin, a six-furlong Cal-bred race Sept. 4, or the Grade 1 $300,000 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs Sept. 7.