Sunland: Smack Ridge scores front-running win in Winsham Lad

Smack Ridge backed up a dominant allowance win with a stakes score on Sunday, when he wired the field in the $50,000 Winsham Lad at Sunland Park. He won by three-quarters of a length over Dry Summer in the meet's first handicap for older horses, while it was another four lengths back in third to Jaycito.

Smack Ridge ($16.60) entered the Winsham Lad off a 7 1/4-length win over optional $40,000 claimers at Sunland on Dec. 17. He covered a mile and 70 yards Sunday in 1:39.80. Dusty Shepherd was aboard for trainer Simon Buechler.

Smack Ridge, who was claimed for $25,000 in April, earned $30,000. He has now won 9 of 27 starts and $202,781. Smack Ridge races for Judge Lanier Racing. He is a 6-year-old gelding by Cactus Ridge and was bred in Kentucky by Dream Walkin' Farms.