Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith has taken a call on
Australian import Scenic Blast in the $60,000-added Robert Kerlan Handicap next
Sunday, agent Brad Pegram confirmed.
The 6-year-old gelding worked five furlongs on
Cushion Track in 1:02.40 for trainer John Shirreffs for his United States
debut in the Kerlan at six furlongs on turf.
Scenic Blast brings a glittering portfolio that
includes 2009 Group I victories in the Lightning Stakes and Newmarket Handicap
at Flemington in Australia and the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in
England under 130 pounds. He has won eight of 21 starts and earned $1,396,843.
Other probable starters include Noble Court
(Joel Rosario) and Kelly Leak (Rafael Bejarano). Trainer Marty Jones said a
decision on filly Unzip Me would be made after a study of the weights, which
are scheduled to be released later this afternoon.