Junebugred with a cagey ride from journeyman Joe Bravo held on by a neck over Reckless Jerry to take the $100,000 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Monday. The third choice in the race at 6-1, Junebugred was making his first start for trainer Steve Hobby after breaking his maiden for David Fawkes at Aqueduct on Nov. 26.
The son of Corinthian covered the mile distance in 1:38.45 on a fast track. Favored On Fire Baby, the lone filly in the race, went off as the 3-2 favorite and finished third one length behind Reckless Jerry.
Junebugred had an eventful trip. He was slightly bothered at the start then rated behind the pace and at the top of the stretch found room along the rail and held Reckless Jerry safe in the waning strides. Owned by Alex and Joann Lieblong, Junebugred was making just his third career start in the Smarty Jones. The win was worth $60,000 to bring his earnings to $95,400.
Jake Mo finished fourth followed by Laurie’s Rocket, Optimizer, Copus, Prince Cheval, King Coral, No Spin, Fastestwhogetspaid and Hard Nosed.
Junebugred returned $14.80, $7.00 and $4.60. Reckless Jerry paid $12.80 and $6.20, and On Fire Baby paid $2.60 to show.
Photo by Coady
