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Sunshine State Derby
AHS IRONSMASH
by Michael Compton
After AHS Ironsmash caught Gettin Famous to post a neck victory on the line of the $46,200 Sunshine State Derby at Hialeah Park on Feb. 16, owner and breeder Alicia Hill Smith required a video replay of the finish to confirm the win. Standing in the winner’s circle during the running of the race, Smith thought her homebred son of Gridiron prevailed in the
400-yard dash, but reserved
her celebration until after
watching a replay moments
later on the infield monitor.
“That was so exciting,” said a relieved Smith, who made the trip to Hialeah from her farm in Rebecca, Georgia. “I wasn’t sure he got there. What an awesome race. I’m so thankful to God for allowing me to have this kind of success.”
AHS Ironsmash was
piloted by Shanley Jackson, who is well- acquainted with Smith’s runners by the time he hops aboard them in the afternoons. Jackson works Smith’s horses at her Georgia facility, which features a five-eighths mile training track.
“He knows my horses so well,” Smith said.
jockey Freddie Martinez. Trained by
Donnie Strickland for owner Gene Cox, Gettin Famous (One Famous Eagle-TMF Asgoodasitgets) bounced away from the gate on top and led throughout before getting col- lared on the wire.
Piranhaaa closed ground late to finish third under Robert Cummings for owner MLP “From the Inside”, Inc. and trainer Kate Romanenko.
Completing the order of finish were Smokin Habanero (Toast to Dash-Princess Rona), Aforgone Conclusion (Down Straw- Easy Launc), Channelislandsflyer (Wave Carver-Eye Go Kim), Pat Hand (Seis-Miss Eye Candy), Azyouseelrap (Azyoucansee-Raps Melody), Lynch Full Flight (Wave Carver- Check Out This Gal), and Toast to First (Down Straw-Miss Triple Lynn).
“I think it really
helps in the races.”
Smith indicated that AHS
Ironsmash, who was saddled by Matt Frazier, is likely headed home to become a barrel horse.
“He’s always shown me that he’s a special horse,” she said. “I’m thrilled.”
Bred in Georgia, AHS Ironsmash stopped the timer in :19.623 and earned a speed index of 94.
Finishing second
was even-money favor- ite Gettin Famous under

First Down Dash
Gridiron
Mighty Easy Pass
AHS IRONSMASH, ‘10-c.
Eternal Jet Stream
Smashingly Beautiful
Bubble Smash
RACING NEWS
Sailfish Stakes
CLASSY CORA
by Michael Compton
Classy Cora proved too classy for her foes in the 1,000-yard Sailfish Stakes, one of four closing day stakes events at
Hialeah Park on February 17.
Ridden by Robert Cummings, Classy
Cora broke sharply from the the inside post position. She assumed command from the outset and never looked back in her first try at the distance. Cummings kept her to task through the lane, and they
crossed the wire 1 3⁄4-length to the good at odds of 11-1. Classy Cora’s wire-to-
wire run stopped the timer in :53.698 and earned the filly a speed index of 86. She had every right to rel- ish the marathon distance, as she is out of the mare Yus Lak a Tief who is sired by the Thoroughbred stal- lion Timebank-TB.
“I figured it would be a
good distance for her based on her breed- ing,” trainer Ron David stated. “When
I worked her around the turn she really took to it. And Bob (Robert) has experi- ence riding Thoroughbreds, so I knew that would be a big help.”
As if her early speed and Thoroughbred influence weren’t enough, Classy Cora, who races in the name of her breeder Bill Baker
Haithcoat, had even more in her favor.
“There’s a sentimental story behind the horse in that the owner passed away after she ran the last time, so we knew he was over top of us watching us, and we had a lot of spirit going into it,” said Cummings.
Second-place finisher Sassy Suzze (My Designated Driver-Suzee Cash) and jockey Ruben Saenz chased
the winner across the line, 3 1/2-lengths in front of the next finisher. The 5-year-old mare is owned by Burton Charolais Quarter Horses and is conditioned by Ronald Burton.
Streakin King Corona (King Corona- Streakin Pacific) was forced to go wide around the far turn. The 5-year-old gelding was able to muster a mild rally, however,
to finish third under Freddie Martinez. Streakin King Corona is owned by Gene Cox and is conditioned by Donnie Strickland.
Completing the order of finish were Louisianas Last (Louisiana Swamp-Shes Truly Elusive),TRS Hotshot Adam (Hot Shot Dash-Maydecks Request), Arizon (Tale of the Cat-TB-Fearless Chick), Takin the High Road (Okey Dokey Dale-Take After Me) and Eye See You Dipping (Royal Miracle Dip-Eye Run).

Corona Cartel
Coronas Prospect
Fantastic Polly
CLASSY CORA, ‘09-f.
Timebank-TB
Yus Lak a Tief
Hulk
SPEEDHORSE, March 8, 2013 75
Coady Photography Coady Photography