Shelbysmile gets first stakes win in River Memories

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Kentucky-based Shelbysmile outran the favored New Yorker Neck of the Moon late to notch her first stakes win in Saturday’s $102,800 River Memories at Woodbine.

Longshot Kasuga set moderate fractions in the one-mile overnight stakes. She was stalked by three rivals, including Shelbysmile, who saved ground. Neck of the Moon rallied wide from seventh and looked the part of a winner inside the eighth pole before Shelbysmile split her and Kasuga in deep stretch en route to a one-length score in a time of 1:37.50 over the good ground.

Kasuga weakened to finish third in a field reduced to 12 following the scratches of Hot Kiss, Gliding By, and Generous Touch.

David Moran rode Shelbysmile for trainer Brendan Walsh, who captured Friday’s Grade 2 Marathon at Santa Anita with Scuba.

“Brendan said to let her break and be happy wherever she is,” said Moran. “He said don’t panic and stay on the rail because she will kick in at the end. He said she’ll be real tough to beat.”

A daughter of the late Smart Strike, Shelbysmile paid $18.60 and earned $60,000 for owners Marc Detemple and Crystal Lane Racing.