Smile Sprint Stakes Explained

Class:Listed
Horse Race:Smile Sprint Stakes
Location:Gulfstream Park
Hallandale, Florida, United States
Inaugurated:1984 (at Calder Race Course as Miami Beach Handicap)
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website:Gulfstream Park
Distance:6 furlongs
Surface:Dirt
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Three-years-old and older
Weight:Base weights with allowances:
Older: 126 lbs
3YOs: 123 lbs
Purse:US$100,000 (since 2022)

The Smile Sprint Stakes is a Listed American Thoroughbred horse race for horses aged three and older over a distance of six furlongs on the dirt run annually in early July at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

History

The race has its origins in what is considered the inaugural running on 8 September 1984 as the Miami Beach Handicap. However, an event with that name was held in 1973 and 1974 but was a two year old race over a distance of a mile.[1]

The following year the event was run over a slightly longer distance of 7 furlongs.[2] In 1989 the event was run over 6 furlongs and in 1992 the event was run over a distance of a furlongs.[2]

In 1993 the event was renamed to the Miami Beach Sprint Handicap.[2]

In 1999 the event was renamed to the Smile Sprint Handicap to honor Frances A. Genter Stable's Florida-bred colt, Smile.[1] As a two-year-old in 1984, Smile became the first horse to win all three races in the Florida Stallion Stakes series at Calder Race Course. He went on to win the 1986 Breeders' Cup Sprint and was voted that year's American Champion Sprint Horse.

In 2003, the event was upgraded to Grade III status by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and carried a $500,000 purse.[2] Two years later the event was upgraded again to Grade II.[2]

At times the event was part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series, with the winner automatically qualifying for the Breeders' Cup Sprint.

In 2014 the event was not held[1] and after negotiations between Calder Race Track and Gulfstream Park the event was moved to Gulfstream Park.[3]

The event was modified to the Smile Sprint Stakes for the 2015 running when the conditions of the event were changed from handicap to stakes allowance.[2]

In 2017 the event was downgraded back to Grade III.[1]

Since 2021 the event has been an invitational event.[2]

In 2024 the event was downgraded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to Listed status.[4]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Gulfstream Park  - Smile Sprint Stakes
align=center 2024Comedy Townalign=center 4Drayden Van DykeSaffie A. Joseph, Jr.Ten Twenty Racing & Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.align=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.03align=center $110,000 align=center Listed[5]
align=center 2023Dean Delivers align=center 4Emisael JaramilloMichael YatesStonehedgealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.28align=center $125,000align=center III[6]
align=center 2022Willie Boialign=center 4Chantal SutherlandJorge DelgadoLea Farmsalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.71align=center $150,000align=center III[7]
align=center 2021Miles Aheadalign=center 4Victor EspinozaEdward Pleza Jr.David Melin, Leon Ellman, Laurie Plezaalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.61align=center $200,000align=center III[8]
align=center 2020Cool Arrowalign=center 6Leonel ReyesTeresa M. PompayMy Purple Haze Stablesalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:08.82align=center $100,000align=center III[9]
align=center 2019Diamond Oopsalign=center 4Julien R. LeparouxPatrick L. BianconeDiamond 100 Racing Club, Amy Dunne & Patrick L. Bianconealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.92align=center $250,000align=center III[10]
align=center 2018X Y Jetalign=center 6Emisael JaramilloJorge NavarroRockingham Ranch & Gelfenstein Farmalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.61align=center $272,500align=center III[11]
align=center 2017Imperial Hintalign=center 4Javier CastellanoLuis Carvajal Jr.Raymond Mamonealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.23align=center $250,000align=center III[12]
align=center 2016Delta Bluesmanalign=center 6Emisael JaramilloJorge NavarroMonster Racing Stablesalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:08.94align=center $250,000align=center II[13]
align=center 2015Favorite Talealign=center 4Edgard J. ZayasGuadalupe PreciadoPJG Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:08.85align=center $250,000align=center II[14]
2014Race not held
At Calder Racetrack  - Smile Sprint Handicap
align=center 2013Bahamian Squallalign=center 4Luis SaezDavid FawkesDonald R. Dizneyalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.21align=center $350,000align=center II[15]
align=center 2012Gantryalign=center 5Richard E. EramiaRon FaucheuxBrittlyn Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.52align=center $400,000align=center II[16]
align=center 2011Giant Ryanalign=center 5Bisnath ParbooShivananda Parbhooalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:11.34align=center $350,000align=center II[17]
align=center 2010Big Dramaalign=center 4Eibar CoaDavid FawkesHarold L. Queenalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.93align=center $350,000align=center II[18]
align=center 2009Eaton's Giftalign=center 4Jose LezcanoDale L. RomansZayat Stablesalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:11.25align=center $350,000align=center II[19]
align=center 2008Benny the Bullalign=center 5Edgar S. PradoRichard E. Dutrow Jr.IEAH Stables, Greg James & Andrew I. Cohenalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:11.41align=center $400,000align=center II[20]
align=center 2007Mach Ridealign=center 4Elvis TrujilloSteven W. StandridgeRustlewood Farm align=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.89align=center $500,000align=center II[21]
align=center 2006Nightmare Affairalign=center 5Jeffrey SanchezManuel J. AzpuruaTimber Side Stablealign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.56align=center $500,000align=center II[22]
align=center 2005Woke Up Dreaminalign=center 5Mike E. SmithBob BaffertMichael E. Pegramalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.80align=center $500,000align=center II[23]
align=center 2004Champalialign=center 4Jerry D. BaileyGregory D. FoleyLloyd Madison Farms, IV align=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.14align=center $500,000align=center III[24]
align=center 2003Shake You Downalign=center 5Michael J. LuzziScott A. LakeRobert L. Cole Jr.align=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.03align=center $500,000align=center III[25]
align=center 2002Orientatealign=center 4Mike E. SmithD. Wayne LukasBob & Beverly Lewisalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.98align=center $400,000align=center Listed [26]
align=center 2001Fappie's Notebookalign=center 4Jorge F. ChavezEmanuel TortoraIrving & Marjorie Cowan align=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:09.89align=center $200,000align=center Listed [27]
align=center 2000Forty One Caratsalign=center 4Javier CastellanoDavid FawkesNew New New Stable & Buckingham Stablesalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:08.95align=center $300,000align=center Listed [28]
align=center 1999Silver Seasonalign=center 3Eibar CoaBuckram Oak Farm (Mahmoud Fustok)align=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.03align=center $300,000align=center Listed [29]
Miami Beach Sprint Handicap
align=center 1998Heckofaralphalign=center 5Wigberto S. RamosWilliam J. CesareElizabeth A. & Ralph C. Sessaalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:11.48align=center $300,000align=center Listed [30]
align=center 1997ƒ Vivacealign=center 4Randy RomeroCam GambolatiPost Oak Farmalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.65align=center $250,000align=center Listed [31]
align=center 1996Constant Escortalign=center 4Eduardo O. NunezRalph ZiadieMaxwell Breedersalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:21.82align=center $100,000align=center Listed [32]
align=center 1995Request a Staralign=center 4Abdiel ToribioWilliam P. WhitePaul O'Toolealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:23.69align=center $100,000align=center Listed [33]
align=center 1994Exclusive Pralinealign=center 3Wigberto S. RamosSteve TowneFrank Calabresealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.29align=center $100,000align=center Listed [34]
Miami Beach Handicap
align=center 1993Song of Ambitionalign=center 4Ricardo D. LopezErnest MelloHarold Queenalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:22.52align=center $75,000align=center Listed [35]
align=center 1992align=center 3Ricardo D. LopezAngel M. MedinaMelvin A. Benitezalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:17.57align=center $75,000align=center Listed [36]
align=center 1991Greg At Batalign=center 6Jacinto VasquezRalph ZiadieAdlam Racing Stable align=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:24.26align=center $75,000align=center Listed [37]
align=center 1990Groomstickalign=center 4Luis OlivaresCobbleview Stablealign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:24.20align=center $81,950align=center [38]
align=center 1989Glittermanalign=center 4Walter GuerraGregory E. SandersO.H. Frisbia & Greg Sandersalign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:10.40align=center $54,950align=center [39]
align=center 1988Position Leaderalign=center 3Douglas ValienteJose A. MendezSol Garazi & Michel Bessoalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:24.80align=center $82,725align=center [40]
align=center 1987Princely Ladalign=center 4Benjamin GreenLeon W. PatmanAce of Hearts Stable align=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:23.80align=center $54,300align=center [41]
align=center 1986Jeblaralign=center 4Jose A. Velez Jr.Frank GomezMichael H. Shermanalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:24.80align=center $54,650align=center [42]
align=center 1985Opening Leadalign=center 5Julio Molina PezuaManuel J. AzpuruaBrad D. Gayalign=center 7 furlongsalign=center 1:24.00align=center $54,500align=center [43]
align=center 1984I Really Willalign=center 4Gene St. LeonFrank GomezFrances A. Genteralign=center 6 furlongsalign=center 1:12.00align=center $56,400align=center [44]
Notes:
ƒ Filly or Mare

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: SMILE SPRINT HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS. 2021 . 29 June 2021 . Thoroughbred Database .
  2. Web site: Smile Sprint Stakes (Gr. 3) . www.equibase.com . 2021 . 29 June 2021.
  3. Web site: Spencer . Clark . Gulfstream Park set to host stakes races normally held at Calder . . 29 June 2021 . 2 October 2014.
  4. Web site: TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2024 . 16 December 2023 . 17 December 2023 . Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.
  5. Web site: 2024 Smile Sprint Stakes Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 22 July 2024 . 6 July 2023.
  6. Web site: 2023 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 3 July 2023 . 1 July 2023.
  7. Web site: 2022 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7) . Equibase . 5 July 2022 . 3 July 2022.
  8. Web site: 2021 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 3 July 2021.
  9. Web site: 2020 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11) . Equibase . 5 September 2020 . 28 June 2021.
  10. Web site: 2019 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 3 - (race 13) . Equibase . 29 June 2019 . 28 June 2021.
  11. Web site: 2018 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 3 - (race 13) . Equibase . 30 June 2018 . 28 June 2021.
  12. Web site: 2017 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 3 - (race 13) . Equibase . 1 July 2017 . 28 June 2021.
  13. Web site: 2016 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 2 July 2016 . 28 June 2021.
  14. Web site: 2015 Smile Sprint Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11) . Equibase . 5 July 2015 . 28 June 2021.
  15. Web site: 2013 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 6 July 2013 . 28 June 2021.
  16. Web site: 2012 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 7 July 2012 . 28 June 2021.
  17. Web site: 2011 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 11) . Equibase . 9 July 2011 . 28 June 2021.
  18. Web site: 2010 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 10 July 2010 . 28 June 2021.
  19. Web site: 2009 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 11 July 2009 . 28 June 2021.
  20. Web site: 2008 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 12 July 2008 . 28 June 2021.
  21. Web site: 2007 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 12) . Equibase . 7 July 2007 . 28 June 2021.
  22. Web site: 2006 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 11) . Equibase . 15 July 2006 . 28 June 2021.
  23. Web site: 2005 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 10 July 2005 . 28 June 2021.
  24. Web site: 2004 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 10 July 2004 . 28 June 2021.
  25. Web site: 2003 Smile Sprint Handicap Grade 3 - (race 12) . Equibase . 12 July 2003 . 28 June 2021.
  26. Web site: 2002 Smile Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 13 July 2002 . 28 June 2021.
  27. Web site: 2001 Smile Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 10) . Equibase . 13 October 2001 . 28 June 2021.
  28. Web site: 2000 Smile Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 10) . Equibase . 7 October 2000 . 28 June 2021.
  29. Web site: 1999 Smile Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 11) . Equibase . 9 October 1999 . 28 June 2021.
  30. Web site: 1998 Miami Beach Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 12) . Equibase . 20 June 1998 . 28 June 2021.
  31. Web site: 1997 Miami Beach Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 11) . Equibase . 21 June 1997 . 28 June 2021.
  32. Web site: 1996 Miami Beach Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 28 September 1996 . 28 June 2021.
  33. Web site: 1995 Miami Beach Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 10) . Equibase . 30 September 1995 . 28 June 2021.
  34. Web site: 1994 Miami Beach Sprint Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 15 October 1994 . 28 June 2021.
  35. Web site: 1993 Miami Beach Handicap Listed - (race 8) . Equibase . 23 October 1993 . 28 June 2021.
  36. Web site: 1992 Miami Beach Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 17 October 1992 . 28 June 2021.
  37. Web site: 1991 Miami Beach Handicap Listed - (race 12) . Equibase . 2 November 1991 . 28 June 2021.
  38. Web site: Groomstick wins Miami Beach Handicap – (race 9: held 27 October 1990) . . . 76 . 28 October 1990 . 29 June 2021.
  39. Web site: 4-5 Glitterman wins by a head at Calder – (race 10: held 8 October 1989) . Fran . LaBelle . . 87 . 9 October 1989 . 29 June 2021.
  40. Web site: Position Leader wins Miami Beach – (race 9: held 29 October 1988) . Dave . Joseph . . 52 . 30 October 1988 . 29 June 2021.
  41. Web site: Princely Lad cruises at Calder – (race 9: held 1 November 1987) . . . 32 . 2 November 1987 . 29 June 2021.
  42. Web site: No contest for Jeblar at Calder – (race 9: held 2 November 1986) . Luther . Evans . . 87 . 3 November 1986 . 29 June 2021.
  43. Web site: Opening Lead captures Miami Beach 'Cap – (race 9: held 14 September 1985) . Luther . Evans . . 50 . 15 September 1985 . 29 June 2021.
  44. Web site: I really Will does in Beach – (race 9: held 8 September 1984) . Paul . Moran . . 55 . 9 September 1984 . 29 June 2021.