Scenic Blast Ready for US Bow

Photo: Hollywood Park

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.

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