Local Runner Smack Smack Wins the Cornhusker
Challengers came from far and wide came in attempt to take the signature event at Prairie Meadows, but in the end, the top prize went to a runner with experience over the track. In a blanket finish, local favorite Smack Smack won the 20th running of the $300,000 Cornhusker Handicap (G3) by a head over Shotgun Kowboy.
On paper, there was not much early speed signed on, but after an even break, Shotgun Kowboy and race favorite S’maverlous, under jockey Florent Geroux, dueled through fractions of 23.64 and 48.78 down the backstretch.
Approaching the far turn, second favorite Cyrus Alexander loomed up three wide, with the eventual winner two wide back in fifth. After six furlongs in 1:13.35, Shotgun Kowboy appeared to throw in the towel dropping back to fourth, while the late runners looked to smother the top 2 choices.
Down the lane, Smack Smack tipped out four wide and engaged S’maverlous, while stablemate Pain and Misery loomed to his outside While Smack Smack persevered to the wire, Shotgun Kowboy shockingly fought back along the rail to grab the place, by a head over Pain and Misery.
Smack Smack was overlooked by bettors after running fourth in the local prep (Jim Rasmussen Memorial). Those who selected him were rewarded with a healthy $34.20 win mutual after he finished the 9 furlongs in 1:50.28. When asked about the reason for the turnaround, trainer Don Von Hemel said, “The extra sixteenth of a mile. This horse loves going a mile and an eighth.”
Owned by award winning country singer Toby Keith’s, Dream Walkin’ Farms, Von Hemel proclaimed, “He's (Keith) one of the best owners I’ve ever had. Toby doesn’t tell me what do or where to run the horse. If a horse needs a break, he lets me give them the rest they need.”
With this his biggest win to date, Smack Smack runs his lifetime earnings to $747,850. Though it is too early to tell what lies ahead for the five year-old son of Closing Argument, Von Hemel didn’t rule out a summer trip to Saratoga. “I won’t take him up there, but if Donnie (son) goes up with anything, I might send him.” Whether or not bigger things are on the horizon for the winner, he’ll always have a home at Prairie Meadows.
Photos of Shotgun Kowboy (3) and S'maverlous (7) courtesy of Annette Mangrum