Smokey Fire turns back Ice Bear in a four-horse Mt. Sassafras

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Smokey Fire turned back a stern challenge from Ice Bear to capture the $100,000 Mt. Sassafras Stakes as the heavy favorite Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Daniel Be Good set slow fractions in the seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-breds, which was reduced to a four-horse field with the scratches of Field Commission and R Shining Hope.

Smokey Fire stalked the leader along the inside, and then took control exiting the turn before Ice Bear joined him after making a rail bid. Smokey Fire drew away late under Jono Jones, and got home on top by a length, in a time of 1:22.65. Ice Bear finished 2 3/4 lengths clear of a fading Daniel Be Good in second.

Trainer Sid Attard said he felt confident when Ice Bear hooked up with Smokey Fire on the lead.

“I know him very well, and I knew that he was going to kick in,” said Attard. He doesn’t give up easy.”

Smokey Fire returned $2.90 in a race that had no place or show wagering. He banked $63,000 for the Jim Dandy Stable.