Smarty Jones ran his record to a perfect five-for-five with an authoritative 3 1/2 length victory in the $200,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park Saturday. Smarty Jones was coming off a win in the February 28 Southwest Stakes, also at Oaklawn.

Smarty Jones broke alertly in the 1 1/16 miles race, settling two wide just off the lead of Purge, who shipped in from Florida for trainer Todd Pletcher. Two lengths back of the front pair was Mr. Jester, tucked in nicely on the rail, with Pro Prado just to his outside. The pace was a reasonable one, the 1/2 mile in :47.10 and 3/4 in 1:12.10. Smarty Jones, under regular jockey Stewart Elliott, moved alongside of Purge as the leaders rounded the far turn. Purge fought back gamely along the inside, but Smarty Jones began to edge away at the 1/8 pole. He moved down the lane powerfully, stopping the clock in a very respectable 1:42.07. Purge hung on for second, with Pro Prado in third. Mr. Jester faltered down the stretch, winding up sixth.

Smarty Jones picked up $120,000 for owner Someday Farm, running his lifetime total to $278,355. With the win, he is eligible for the $5 million bonus Oaklawn Park is offering this year for any horse that wins the Rebel, Arkansas Derby (GII) and Kentucky Derby (GI). The chance of winning the big prize will almost certainly mean that trainer John Servis will start the son of Elusive Quality in the April 10 Arkansas Derby.

The winner paid $9.00, $4.60, and $3.40. Purge paid $4.40 and $3.80 to place. Pro Prado's show was $3.60. The $2 exacta was 30.60.

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