Racing: Smokin' Joey blitzes rivals

Well-bred youngster Smokin' Joey has lit up Caulfield with a sizzling last-to-first performance to win the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes at his race debut.

Trainer Lee Freedman was so impressed with yesterday's performance over 1200m he confirmed the Encosta De Lago colt would head to Brisbane for the QTC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) on June 10.

Freedman said Smokin' Joey was shaping as a better horse than his brother Our Smoking Joe who was Group One-placed and had among his 10 wins the Group Two St George Stakes.

"It was only a weak Listed race today but they can only win at their first start and he has done it the hard way coming around them."

Freedman chose the Blue Sapphire to launch the careers of not only Smokin' Joey but also Kookaburras who is a Redoute's Choice colt and a half-brother to champion filly Alinghi

Kookaburras finished fourth with his waywardness costing him a place. Smokin' Joey did everything right.

Both were big, overgrown colts and he hopes they can measure to the Caulfield Guineas in the spring.

Kookaburras was very green whereas Smokin' Joey always looked the part and his win was only another step in his development.

Smokin' Joey could not have been more impressive as he charged away to a two-length win over Miss Elvee with Sistine Angel 1 lengths away third.

Freedman said a gear change could be the key to improving Kookaburras.

- AAP