Smokey Fire makes a successful comeback by winning the Highlander Stakes
Smokey Fire made an impressive comeback after his layoff by winning the $236,400 Highlander Stakes on the Queen’s Plate undercard at Woodbine in Canada on Sunday, June 24, 2012.
The seven-year-old gelding did not get a clean run, as he was crowded at the start of the race. However, he kept on pressing hard and made a lot of improvement towards the end, prevailing by more than one length.
The Sid Attard’s trainee suffered an injury, and was out of action for quite some time. He last raced in 2010 at Woodbine, and delivered a winning result that time around as well. Despite that, he was not expected to shine in the Highlander Stakes.
According to Attard, the injury kept his trainee out of action throughout the 2011 season, but he restarted training during winter. He added, “He was ready to run a month ago. We just couldn’t get him in.”
However, the son of Smoke Glacken, out of mare Destroy, stunned one and all with his speed in the 6 furlong event. He struggled for the most part of the race, but his amazing turn of foot, turned things around in the final furlong.
Eurico Da Silva, who accompanied, Smokey Fire, in the race, and was extremely happy with the outcome.
He praised the effort of the triumphant gelding, and claimed that he did not have to push hard to get the maximum out of his partner.
According to Da Silva, “I just paid attention to my horse. He was running very focused. I just wanted to kick when I got clear, and when I was clear, he kicked very strong. He ran a great race.”
Race favourite, Essence Hit Man, was in control of proceedings, but ran out of gas towards the end. He had been in terrific form since the start of the season, and was expected to dominate proceedings at Woodbine.
The five-year-old gelding had won three races on the trot before entering the Highlander Stakes. He has lightning fast speed, and it is normally difficult for his opponents to match him in sprints.
However, things did not work out as planned for Essence Hit Man on Sunday, as he was unable to extend his winning streak.
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