Smack Smack can start party early for Von Hemel

Smack Smack can give 82-year-old trainer Don Von Hemel an early birthday gift Saturday in the $75,000 Bosselman Pump and Pantry/Gus Fonner Stakes. He will be one of the top contenders in the 1 1/16-mile race that serves as the centerpiece of the Fonner Park meet in Nebraska.

Smack Smack is part of a field of nine older horses that includes Diamond Joe, the popular Nebraska-bred who has earned more than $500,000; Way Striking, who is coming off an allowance win over Smack Smack on April 1 at Oaklawn Park; Tiger of Wales, who invades from Kentucky for trainer Mike Maker; and defending race winner Sweet Stuff.

Smack Smack has banked $974,630 in his career and, with a win Saturday, would go over $1 million in earnings. He would be the first millionaire trained by Von Hemel, a member of the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame who had a hand in developing some of the millionaires trained by his sons, Donnie Von Hemel (Clever Trevor) and Kelly Von Hemel (Sure Shot Biscuit).

Don Von Hemel said seeing Smack Smack, an eight-time stakes winner, hit the milestone would be thrilling not only for him but for Smack Smack’s breeder and owner, the country-music artist Toby Keith.

“It would mean a lot to us,” said Von Hemel, who turns 83 on May 14.

KEY CONTENDERS

Smack Smack, by Closing Argument
Last 3 Beyers: 86-88-92

◗ He is one of the most accomplished members of the field as a Grade 3 winner who overall has gone 10 for 33.

◗ Smack Smack will break from post 5 under regular rider Shane Laviolette.

“He’s versatile,” Von Hemel said of Smack Smack. “He’s got some speed. If he wants to be up close, he can be up close.”

Diamond Joe, by Dazzling Falls
Last 3 Beyers: 72-53-84

◗ He most recently made his first start since last July in the $25,000 Dowd Mile at Fonner and finished second, beaten a length by Sightforsoreeyes.

◗ Diamond Joe is a 24-time winner who boasts a 10-for-21 record at Fonner.

Way Striking, by Smart Strike
Last 3 Beyers: 95-80-88

◗ He owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, a 95 for his win in the Oaklawn allowance April 1.

◗ Way Striking is looking for his first stakes win after picking up checks in stakes at Canterbury and Zia Park.

Tiger of Wales, by D’wildcat
Last 3 Beyers: 81-80-86

◗ He enters off a third-place finish to stakes winner Dac in an optional $50,000 claiming race April 1 at Turfway Park.

◗ Deshawn Parker has the mount on the fourth-place finisher in the $200,000 Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream.