J Serino upsets Smack Smack in Veterans
J Serino became a stakes winner on Monday, with a 2 3/4-length win over 1-2 favorite Smack Smack in the $50,000 Veterans at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M.
The Veterans, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles, is expected to produce starters for the $150,000 Zia Park Distance Championship on Nov. 23.
J Serino ($22) stalked the early pace set by Super Accord, who was pressured by Forest Mouse through an opening quarter in 24.41 seconds and a half-mile in 47.77. J Serino moved to the lead in the stretch, and won in 1:42.09 on a fast track. Smack Smack finished second, a half-length in front of Forest Mouse, who was third.
J.C. Villanueva was aboard J Serino for Frontier Racing and trainer Jaime Fuentes.
J Serino earned $30,000 for the win Monday. A son of Malibu Moon, he has won 4 of 31 starts and banked $183,460.