Grand Slam Smile runs away with Melair Stakes
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ARCADIA, Calif. - The hard part of getting Grand Slam Smile to the winner’s circle of the $126,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday was getting her to settle long enough to put the saddle on.
The race itself was run to expectations.
Sent off favored, Grand Slam Smile ($4.20) stalked pacesetter Only One America to the end of the backstretch before taking the lead. Ridden by Frank Alvarado, Grand Slam Smile quickly took control. She led by 2 1/2 lengths in the stretch and pulled away to win by 4 1/2 lengths for her fourth stakes win in her seventh start.
The Melair Stakes, restricted to 3-year-old statebred fillies, was Grand Slam Smile’s first start since a win in the California Cup Oaks at a mile on turf at Santa Anita on Jan. 13.
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“I told Frank if no one goes don’t get in a fight with her,” Specht said. “I knew she’d be fresh. She had a target to run at.”
Only One America (15-1) set a moderate pace of 23.62 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.07 for a half-mile. She faded shortly after being passed by Grand Slam Smile, who completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.82.
Grand Slam Smile earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 76.
Safa, who was third early, finished second as the 2-1 second choice, a half-length in front of 8-1 Loretta Lynn. Madison Rae finished fourth, followed by Putt for Dough, Roberta’s Love and Only One America.
Grand Slam Smile’s pre-race antics were not a surprise to Specht or owners and breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. The filly has been tough to handle at times since before her racing career, Specht said.
“She was a bear in the paddock,” Specht said. “She wanted none of it. We got it on one way or another.”
By Smiling Tiger, Grand Slam Smile has won 5 of 7 starts and earned $404,900. She is unbeaten in four starts at Santa Anita, including the Fasig-Tipton Debutante last June, and the Golden State Juvenile Fillies last November on dirt, and the Cal Cup Oaks.
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