Von Hemel has formidable duo in Downs at Albuquerque Handicap

The path to the winner’s circle Saturday night in the $175,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap might go through the barn of 82-year-old trainer Don Von Hemel. He will send out two leading contenders in the 1 1/8-mile race in Smack Smack and Pain and Misery.

The Downs at Albuquerque Handicap is the premier Thoroughbred offering at the meet of the New Mexico track. It will be supported by the $50,000 Duke City Sprint. A six-furlong race for 3-year-olds, the Duke City Sprint drew Bring It On Dude, who will be seeking his third straight stakes win while making his first start since October, and He’s a Tiger, who placed in stakes in California.

Smack Smack is the 122-pound highweight for the Downs at Albuquerque, which drew a field of eight 3-year-olds and up. Others set to start include Shotgun Kowboy, Code West, Forest Mouse, and Ol Winedrinker Who.

Downs at AlbuquerqueHandicap (Race 6)

KEY CONTENDERS

Smack Smack, by Closing Argument

Last 3 Beyers: 92-87-84

◗ He was up for a neck win in the Grade 3 Cornhusker at Prairie Meadows on July 2, edging Shotgun Kowboy, who was second, and Pain and Misery, who was third. The race was run over the same 1 1/8-mile distance he will travel Saturday.

“It was a great race for Smack Smack,” Von Hemel said. “He ran very well and never wins by much more than a head anytime he wins. It was sure a lot of fun to see him get down there in front.”

◗ The win was the second Cornhusker victory for Von Hemel, who captured the race in 1983 with Win Stat. At that time, the race was run at the now-shuttered Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha, Neb.

◗ Smack Smack, who races for the Dream Walkin Farms operation of country music artist Toby Keith, has had success in New Mexico, having captured the Veterans and Zia Park Distance Championship, both at Zia, in late 2015. The Zia Park Distance Championship was at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 25.

“That’s the best races he’s ever run, going a mile and an eighth,” Von Hemel said.

◗ Shane Laviolette has the mount from the rail.

Pain and Misery, by Bob and John

Last 3 Beyers: 92-89-86

◗ He rallied from next to last to run third in the Cornhusker, which marked his first start since May.

“He only got beat a neck in the Cornhusker, and with a little bit of luck, he could be the winner in Albuquerque,” Von Hemel said. “He’s a very talented horse.”

◗ Glen Murphy has the mount from post 7 for owner Black Gold Racing.

Shotgun Kowboy, by Kodiak Kowboy

Last 3 Beyers: 92-94-94

◗ He has finished second in three consecutive Grade 3 races – the Cornhusker, the Lone Star Park Handicap, and the Texas Mile.

◗ Jareth Loveberry has the mount for breeder, owner, and trainer C.R. Trout.