Gantry entered the $400,000 Smile Sprint Handicap (gr. II) as the narrow favorite, but by the looks of his performance, he should have been odds-on. Under a perfect ride from Richard Eramia, Gantry burst clear inside the final eighth of a mile to win the prestigious sprint by five lengths, earning himself a trip to the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) later this year thanks to the Smile Sprint's "Win and You're In" status.
The early pace was set by Artefacto, who ran the opening quarter mile in :21.43 while being pressured by Indiano and Gantry. Cajun Breeze, Apriority, and Atlantic Bull were next, while Field Commission and Close It Out were the early trailers. However, shortly after completing the opening quarter mile, Field Commission took a bad step and was pulled up, leaving a field of seven to complete the race.
Following a half-mile in :44.50, the field turned for home with Artefacto still on top. However, Gantry was in the process of putting in a strong challenge, and after taking over the lead at the eighth pole, he drew off powerfully to win by an impressive five lengths while stopping the clock in the good time of 1:10.52.
Indiano ran well to finish second, a nose in front of Close It Out, who was in turn a nose in front of Artefacto. Apriority, Cajun Breeze, and Atlantic Bull trailed the field.
The winner is trained by Ron Faucheux and owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
-Keelerman
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