News

Smoko blitzes Belmont rivals

11th Aug 2014

Racenet - Darryl Sherer - Sunday, 10 August 2014

Smoko confirmed his promise as the next big sprinter to come out of the West with a brilliant performance to win Saturday’s $100,000 Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) at Belmont Park.

Driving across from barrier eight, Smoko got to the front after 300 metres and, able to get a quiet time before the home turn, accelerated clear around the home turn before going on to score comfortably.

At the finish Smoko ($1.60 fav.) defeated Dominating ($5) by three lengths with Celebrity Miss ($7.50) close up in third.

Wet tracks and a minor leg injury have held up Smoko this preparation and he was beaten for the first time when resuming in the Beaufine Stakes on July 12.

Co-trainer Clint Price told The West they had been playing 'catch-up’ with the five-year-old son of Snitzel.

"We had so much going against us in the Beaufine. We knew we wanted that race before but he had a few mishaps which stopped us. He was always was one run behind the others,” Price said.

"I even thought today he was still a run behind the others fitness wise and in his campaign.

"William (Pike) had to use a bit of petrol to get to the front but the horse is able to that at both ends of the race.

"This is the special thing about this horse."

Price was unsure if Smoko would tackle Barakey in the $100,000 Goodwood Sprint (1300m) under weight-for-age conditions in two weeks time.

Smoko sold for $75,000 as a yearling at the 2011 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. He has won six of his seven starts and earned $221,450.