Grand Slam Smile could get another graded stakes try

ARCADIA, Calif. – The brilliant mare Grand Slam Smile has won eight stakes in her career, seven for California-breds and the Fasig-Tipton Debutante in her second start at Santa Anita in June 2023.

In her only start in a graded stakes, Grand Slam Smile was a well-beaten third in the Grade 3 Torrey Pines Stakes at a mile on dirt at Del Mar in August 2024, the only time the 5-year-old mare has finished worse than second in 18 starts.

Another attempt at a graded stakes is possible after Grand Slam Smile’s win by a half-length in Saturday’s Sunshine Million Filly and Mare Sprint on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita.

“I’d like to try to get her some graded stakes races along the line,” trainer Sean McCarthy said on Sunday.

Owned by breeders Larry and Marianne Williams, Grand Slam Smile has multiple options in coming weeks, including the $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for California-breds fillies and mares on the hillside turf course on March 21. She could start in the Grade 3 Royal Heroine Stakes at a mile on turf on April 25.

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Grand Slam Smile had mixed results at a mile on turf last summer at Del Mar. She finished second by 1 3/4 lengths at 23-1 in the restricted Osunitas Stakes on July 20 and won the Solana Beach Stakes for statebred fillies and mares as the 13-10 favorite on Aug. 17.

McCarthy, 63, nearly had two stakes wins on Sunday. The 4-year-old filly Hey Jessie finished second for McCarthy and Sayjay Racing in the Unusual Heat Turf Classic against males at 1 1/8 miles. Hey Jessie closed from seventh of eight to finish second by a half-length to Vodka Vodka.

McCarthy said he has several options with Hey Jessie in the coming weeks and months.

“The more ground, the better,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind trying the dirt if the right opportunity comes up.”

One possible goal is the Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/4 miles on turf on March 15.

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