For Smokey Image, a win would be breath of fresh air

ARCADIA, Calif. – Two years ago, Smokey Image won the California Cup Derby for statebreds at Santa Anita by more than eight lengths to extend his unbeaten streak to six races.

That was his last victory. The losing streak stands at 10 races.

It would be easy for Irvin Racing Stables and trainer Carla Gaines to give up on Smokey Image, 5. But a third in the Cary Grant Stakes for California-breds at Del Mar in November and a fourth in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes on turf here Jan. 6 have led to hope that Smokey Image can break through in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic for statebreds at Santa Anita.

After all, the California Cup program worked out fine for Smokey Image in 2016.

Gaines said Wednesday that Smokey Image has changed in recent months following a procedure last summer to aid his breathing.

“He was having some issues,” she said. “We did the surgery, and he’s been doing fantastic.”

Smokey Image is one of three stakes winners among eight starters in the Turf Classic, which is run at 1 1/8 miles and is the richest of 10 races Saturday. He Will won the minor Lure Stakes on Nov. 3 at Del Mar. Summersimage won the minor Robert Dupret Derby at Santa Rosa last summer.

KEY CONTENDERS

Smokey Image, by Southern Image Last 3 Beyers: 95-86-88

◗ Smokey Image set the pace in the San Gabriel Stakes, which was run at 1 1/8 miles, and was beaten 2 1/2 lengths by multiple graded stakes winner Itsinthepost. To Gaines, the $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes was a suitable prep for Saturday’s race.

“That may sound weird prepping in a Grade 2 for a Cal-bred race,” she said. “He’s sound. I have more optimism, for sure.”

◗ Smokey Image is likely to race near the front. Tyler Baze will ride Smokey Image for the first time since a fourth in the Bertrando Stakes last July at Los Alamitos, the race that led to the throat operation.

He Will, by Cyclotron Last 3 Beyers: 90-99-90

◗ He Will was beaten a nose in the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on turf Nov. 26 at Del Mar but failed to duplicate the effort when seventh in the San Gabriel.

“We were looking for a big effort in his last race, and we didn’t get it,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.

Hollendorfer said he had “no answers” as to why He Will did not give his best performance.

◗ He Will was fourth in the 2017 Turf Classic. The distance of Saturday’s race is an asset for the 6-year-old horse.

“He comes running in the last part of it,” Hollendorfer said. “I think the longer distances help him.”

Rye, by English Channel Last 3 Beyers: 76-91-92

◗ Rye won the Super Bowl Starter Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on turf here last February and an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option at the same distance at Golden Gate Fields in October.

◗ Rye was seventh in the Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap on the Tapeta synthetic track at Golden Gate Fields in November, a loss trainer William Morey dismissed last weekend as an experiment.

◗ Rye will be a closer in the Turf Classic and will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux, who was aboard for the Super Bowl Starter Handicap.

“Having Kent on him gives me confidence,” Morey said.

Camino Del Paraiso, by Suances Last 3 Beyers: 82-91-90

◗ Camino Del Paraiso was third in the Berkeley Handicap and second to Rye in the optional claimer in October. Camino Del Paraiso is a threat as a stalker. Flavien Prat rides the 5-year-old gelding, who has yet to win a stakes.

SHIGEKI KIKKAWA Smokey Image, who was off form for a stretch, had an operation last summer to help his breathing.