Smoken Boy Gets First Win in United States
- Kaeli Bartholomew
- May 21
- 2 min read
Last week, Smoken Boy entered the winner's circle for the first time since arriving in the United States.
The colt by Catholic Boy got the better of a game Chasing Liberty in the off-the-turf Caesars Handicap, contested over a muddy dirt track at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Smoken Boy had previously demonstrated an affinity for the mud in Puerto Rico, where he made his first three starts, winning the Clásico Agustín Mercado Reverón S. (G1) by nine lengths over that surface.
[Video: Smoken Boy wins Clásico Agustín Mercado Reverón S. (G1) in Puerto Rico]
How Smoken Boy's prowess in Puerto Rico would translate stateside was uncertain. He was eighth in the Sam F. Davis, his U.S. debut, and sixth when facing the likes of Grande in an Allowance Optional Claimer later that month. The colt was claimed out of that AOC by trainer Cheryl Winebaugh and owners KEM Stables, but remained unplaced when facing tough Grade 1 company, including eventual Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, in the Florida Derby.
The combination of a scratched-down field and favorable conditions at Horseshoe Indianapolis helped Smoken Boy secure add a third total victory to his resume and more than double his earnings.
Emmanuel Esquivel, who was aboard for the Caesars Handicap victory, says he believes Smoken Boy will benefit from an addition of blinkers moving forward.
[Video: Watch Smoken Boy win the Caesars Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis]
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