Sunland: Hennesey Smash collects fifth straight win in Bold Ego Handicap

Hennesey Smash proved to be just as good facing open company as she has been against New Mexico-breds.

Facing open company for the first time in Saturday’s $50,000 Bold Ego Handicap at Sunland Park, the 3-year-old filly Hennesey Smash churned out her fifth straight victory for trainer Todd Fincher, owner Barbara Coleman, and jockey Casey Lambert.

Hennesey Smash ($8) made a move to challenge the pacesetter, even-money favorite Alydarla after the leader ran the opening half-mile in 44.76 seconds. Hennesey Smash opened a clear lead in the stretch and held off a late rally by 25-1 outsider Pyrite On My Mind to win by three-quarters of a length. She covered 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.93.

Alydarla, a Steve Asmussen-trained 3-year-old, was favored on the basis of her most recent win against second-level allowance company at Churchill Downs. She ended up a well-beaten third, 3 1/2 lengths behind the runner-up.

Hennesey Smash, a daughter of Roll Hennesey Roll, is now 6 for 7 lifetime, including three stakes wins.