(April 10, 2004) - Smarty Jones continued his winning ways with an authoritative victory in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (GII) over a muddy track at Oaklawn Park Saturday. The son of Elusive Quality is now six for six lifetime, and with the winner's check for $600,000, he assures himself a spot in the May 1 Kentucky Derby.

Breaking from the far outside in the field of eleven, Smarty Jones was somewhat reluctant to load prior to the start. Once the gates sprung however, he got away cleanly under regular rider Stewart Elliott, settling just behind and outside of the early front runner Purge. After a solid half mile in :46.95, Smarty Jones began to close in on Purge, overtaking that one at the 3/4 mile mark. Moving into the stretch, he widened the lead to three lengths, as Borrego, roused under Victor Espinoza, moved into second. Smarty Jones held his pursuer at bay, winning by 1 1/2 lengths. Borrego was closing resolutely, but could not get to the winner. Pro Prado finished well to be third, 1 1/2 lengths back.

The rest of the field was fairly far back, with Harvard Avenue in fourth, and Purge, Mambo Train, Shadowland, Every Advantage, Mr. Jester, Tricky Taboo, and Hasslefree completing the order of finish.

Smarty Jones final time for the 1 1/8 miles was a solid 1:49.41. As the even money favorite, Smarty Jones paid $4.00, $3.00, and $2.60. The place for Borrego was worth $3.20 and $2.80. Pro Prado paid $4.40 to show. The $2 exacta with the top two choices was $15.20.

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