Derby Dozen: Smokey Image 6-for-6 after winning season debut

When you have a multiple stakes winning, chestnut California-bred on the Kentucky Derby trail with Victor Espinoza as his jockey, comparisons to 2014 Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome are certain to come.

To his credit, Smokey Image is more than just a good potential story line. The son of Southern Image has earned the attention being cast his way thanks to his 6-for-6 record and his 8 1/2 -length romp in the California Cup Derby during his season debut on Jan. 30.

The 1 1/16 -mile California Cup Derby was the first start around two turns for Smokey Image, who was previously trained by Greg James before being transferred to the barn of Carla Gaines. As easily as the colt had handled his competition sprinting, he made things look even more effortless as he led every point of call.

Gaines said after the race she was especially impressed with how Smokey Image relaxed on the front end considering she didn’t feel she had him fully prepped for his first start since October. He still has to show he can handle open company but he’s been too dominating against his competition to date to be ignored.

Owner: Irvin Racing Stable

Trainer: Carla Gaines

Breeder: C Punch Ranch, Inc

Bloodline: Chestnut colt by Southern Image-Special Smoke, by Free House

Career record: Six starts, 6-0-0, $435,100

Last start: Won California Cup Derby at Santa Anita Park on Jan. 30

Next start: Grade II San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park on March 12

Potential trouble: Needs to handle the deeper waters of running against open company.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 10:15 PM with the headline "Derby Dozen: Smokey Image 6-for-6 after winning season debut."