Angled to the rail after straightening for home, BB Horses’ Sweet On Smokey collared pacesetting favorite Disco Chick at the eighth pole and edged clear to win the $75,000 What a Summer by a half-length.
It was the third career stakes win for the 5-year-old mare and first victory since defeating Disco Chick by a head in the Dashing Beauty Stakes last summer at Delaware Park. The winning time was 1:11.89.
Looking to snap a seven-race losing streak, Disco Chick was in front through an opening quarter-mile in 23.26 seconds as Sweet On Smokey ($13) and Victor Carrasco settled in third between multiple stakes winner Lovable Lady to their outside and Camille Claudel on the rail.
“We knew we had to beat the two favorites and my mare was ready,” trainer Claudio Gonzalez said. “She had been working great since her last race, and I told Victor to stay close enough to get there.”
Southern Girl found room inside to move up beside Camille Claudel following a half in 46.78 as the five-horse field ran tightly bunched into the far turn. Lovable Lady took second as they approached the top of the stretch and Carrasco steered Sweet On Smokey to the rail, where they steadily wore down the leader.
“Claudio told me how to ride her, and I was able to come down the rail and run by [Disco Chick],” Carrasco said. “My horse really kicked in, just like he said she would.”
Disco Chick stayed up for second, followed by Lovable Lady, Camille Claudel and Southern Girl.
Source: Maryland Jockey Club