Smokin' Joey to bounce into Spring

Thu 2 Sep

Exciting colt Smokin' Joey is developing the physique of an imposing horse which trainer Lee Freedman hopes is an indication of his spring prospects.

A brother to Group One performer Our Smoking Joe, the son of Encosta De Lago already stands just under 17 hands and will be looking to build on his reputation against a crack field of three-year-olds in Saturday's Group Two Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

"He is a very big three-year-old and has got a little bit more growing to do so he will end up a monster of a horse later on," Freedman said.

Smokin' Joey has always impressed Freedman who tested the colt in some strong races during the Brisbane winter carnival.

"He is pretty smart and we asked a bit of him in his first preparation," Freedman said.

Smokin' Joey was outstanding at his debut when he stormed home from last to win the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in May before having little luck in Group company in three Brisbane starts.

Each time he ran into Pressday, finishing fifth to him in the Champagne Stakes (1200m), fourth in the QTC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) and 10th in the Group One TJ Smith (1600m).

"His first run around Doomben he didn't handle it that well but still ran a nice fifth while he was probably unlucky in the Sires when he was beaten just over a length after running up on the heels of the leaders with a furlong (200m) to go, checking and having to come out," Freedman said. - aap

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