For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 17, 2011
CLASS COMES THROUGH FOR SKIP A SMILE
OKLAHOMA CITY – Stakes-quality turf runners were featured in Thursday’s $40,000 allowance feature going a mile over firm going. Skip A Smile, fresh off a runner-up finish in the Remington Green Stakes, made a bid for the lead before the stretch, then drew off to win easily.
Owned by Rose Mary Chandler of Cibolo, Texas and trained by Steve Asmussen, Skip A Smile was ridden sharply by Luis Quinonez who recognized a slow pace set by Coyote Legend. Upon that realization, Skip A Smile was asked to move toward the front earlier than he prefers as he normally comes from well off the pace.
Coyote Legend cruised through the first quarter-mile in :25.40 seconds, the half-mile in :49.57 and six furlongs in 1:13.99. By the middle of the second turn, Skip A Smile was flying around Coyote Legend, taking the lead by the top of the stretch then drawing clear with authority.
Coyote Legend held second while Scrappy Roo was along for third. Skip A Smile covered the mile in 1:38.08.
At 9-5 in the wagering, Skip A Smile paid $5.60 to win, $3 to place and $2.20 to show. The beaten favorite at 8-5 odds, Coyote Legend paid $3.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Scrappy Roo returned $2.60 to show.
The win was the seventh from 17 starts for Skip A Smile, a 4-year-old Texas-bred gelding by Skip Away from the Strawberry Road (Aus) mare Strawberry Smile. The winner’s share of $23,898 moved his career earnings to $330,098.
The win by a Skip A Smile gave Asmussen his 5,998th career training win.
Remington Park Thoroughbred racing will continue Friday with a special non-wagering race conducted at 6pm followed by nine more races eligible for wagering. The $50,000 Oklahoma Stallion Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings will go with a four-horse field over six furlongs at 6pm.
Ted’s Folly, a winner of four consecutive races this season including the Oklahoma Classics Juvenile in his last start in October, is the main reason the male division of the Oklahoma Stallion Stakes came up with a field of just four.
Open daily at 10am for casino gaming and simulcast racing, Remington Park also features Henry Hudson’s and the Bricktown Brewery, both opening daily at 11am. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park.
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
Photo Credit: Dustin Orona Photography
For more information, contact:
Dale Day
405-425-3215, 405-326-7496 (m)