Smokey Image stays perfect in I'm Smokin

DEL MAR, Calif. – The strategy went wrong, but the result was right when Smokey Image extended his unbeaten streak to four races in Friday’s $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes at Del Mar.

Jockey Juan Hernandez and trainer Greg James planned to have Smokey Image race from off the pace. When the colt broke well, Hernandez found himself in front. Smokey Image fought for the lead with Found Money on the backstretch and the turn before pulling away in the final furlong to win by 4 1/4 lengths over that rival.

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

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

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!”

Found Money, the winner of the Santa Anita Juvenile in June, finished 5 3/4 lengths clear of Viviendo El Sueno, who was followed by Xingontothebone, Quorum of Joy, and Carlos Dangerous.

Smokey Image 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 on July 5 and the Cavonnier Juvenile at Santa Rosa on Aug. 16.

Smokey Image has earned $187,500.