Smarmy Tops Day of Upsets in Best of Ohio Series

(from Beulah Park release)
Bruce Ryan and the Blazing Meadows Farm’s 42-1 shot Smarmy concluded a day of upsets in the 2007 renewal of the "Best of Ohio" series at Beulah Park with an impressive victory in the $100,000 Best of Ohio Endurance on Saturday.

Eight top-notched Ohio bred runners dueled as Pyrite Springs and Catlaunch clashed for early supremacy. Moving around the final turn Pyrite Springs tired and Pyrite Personal and Smarmy surged by nearing the final furlong. Grabbing the lead late in the lane, Smarmy edged away to a two-length score. The running time for the 1 1/4 miles over the fast track was 2:05 1/5.

Ridden by Luis Gonzalez for trainer Tim Hamm, Smarmy returned $87.00, $33.20 and $11.60 as the longest priced horse in the wagering. Pyrite Personal held gamely to second and paid $4.20 and $2.20. Catlaunch settled for third and returned his backers $2.10 as the wagering favorite.

(Chart, Equibase)

In other Best of Ohio action:

Owner/breeder Joseph Weir’s Sarasponda ($12.20) extended her win streak to two with a swift closing victory to take the $75,000 John W. Galbreath Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Winning by 2 ½ lengths, She covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:48 1/5 for jockey Scott Spieth and trainer Joe Shuman.

(Chart, Equibase)

William Ryan’s O’Riain ($31.20) stalked the leaders before pouncing to win the $75,000 Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. With Victor Urieta-Moran in the irons for conditioner Ivan Vazquez, O’Riain traveled the 1 1/16 miles in 1:47 1/5.

(Chart, Equibase)

Dooze ($3.20), the lone winning favorite, darted to the lead and overpowered his foes in a commanding victory of the $75,000 Best of Ohio Sprint. Ridden by Thomas Pompell for Shazam Stables, Equirace.com and trained by Mike Maker, Dooze dashed the six furlongs in a snappy 1:09 2/5.

(Chart, Equibase)

Owner/breeder Elizabeth Alexander’s Cryptoquip ($10.20) turned to tables on her opponents with a visually impressive performance in the $100,000 Best of Ohio Distaff. Winning by 7 1/2 lengths, Cryptoquip dashed the nine-furlong distance in 1:50 1/5 for rider John McKee and trainer H. Graham Motion.

(Chart, Equibase)