Smokey Image wears down Known Defense to win Nevin

PLEASANTON, Calif. – The favored Smokey Image ($4.20), who won his debut here by five lengths June 21, turned in an even more impressive victory Sunday at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet at the Alameda County Fair with a 6 1/2-length victory in the $64,910 Everett Nevin Stakes.

The undefeated Southern Image colt broke better than he did in his debut and sat a half-length behind Known Defense through a 22.25-second opening quarter.

"[Trainer Greg James] said if he broke good to go to the front," said winning rider Juan Hernandez. "I let him go a little bit and then sat right next to the leader."

Known Defense wilted, and Smokey Image increased his advantage over seven 2-year-olds in a field that included six first-out winners and a first-timer.

The winning time was 1:03.37 as Hernandez never asked Smokey Image through the lane. Quorum of Joy was second with Algenon, who also had won his debut here earlier in the meet, another 1 1/2 lengths back in third.

"We always knew he was a nice horse," said winning trainer Greg James. "When a 2-year-old works a minute flat [for five furlongs May 31] and the rider just sits on him, you know he's good."

Smokey Image, owned and bred by Betty and Robert G. Irvin, earned $41,400 to increase his career earnings to $60,900.

James, who was concerned about the quick turnaround, said the colt would be given a brief freshening and might be headed to the Del Mar meeting.