A yr in the past, Corridor of Fame coach Mark Casse did not know what to anticipate when he ran Get Smokin within the Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes (G2T) at Kentucky Downs.
Truth is, it was Harlan Malter of Ironhorse Racing Secure—which owns the horse with BlackRidge Stables, Saratoga Seven Racing Companions, and T-N-T Equine Holdings—who floated the concept of placing Get Smokin into the 1 1/2-mile race. Uncharted waters, for certain, because the son of Get Stormy had by no means tried it earlier than.
All Get Smokin did that day was gun to the lead and by no means cease, upsetting the 12-horse area to the tune of 19-1odds.
Get Smokin, now 7, is taking intention at a repeat as he’ll run within the $2 million Turf Cup Sept. 7. The previous champ didn’t get a ton of respect on the morning line as he’s listed as 12-1 within the area of 11.
“He comes and he performs laborious each time,” Casse mentioned by cellphone as he and spouse Tina had been driving from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., to Lexington this week. “We’re undoubtedly assured.”
Get Smokin shall be making his thirtieth profession begin and shall be ridden by Fernando De La Cruz. He tuned up for this by successful the United Nations Stakes (G2T) at Monmouth Park July 20, his second begin of 2024. Earlier than that he was fourth within the Eclipse Stakes (G2) at Woodbine June 1.
The Eclipse was his first begin for the reason that Turf Cup final yr. Plans to run within the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) at Santa Anita Park, for which he earned an automated entry with the Turf Cup a part of the Breeders’ Cup Problem Collection, had been aborted when Casse did not like the best way Get Smokin was coaching and despatched him again to his farm in Ocala, Fla.
It was there the place the gelding had minor surgical procedure on each entrance ankles that stored him on the equine disabled checklist. All of the whereas, Casse felt certain his warfare horse would make it again to the races.
“By no means doubted it,” he mentioned. “We take care of this on a regular basis. Cindy Black (head of rehabilitation at Casse’s Coaching Heart) has been with us for over 30 years and does an ideal job. I used to be fairly assured.”
Having older horses excel within the barn is nothing new to Casse. He has an 8-year-old, Filo Di Arianna , who has gained two straight grade 2 races at Woodbine.
“The important thing to it’s that we run them sparingly, we give them time,” Casse mentioned. “I’ve at all times mentioned they’re our youngsters and, the longer you will have them round …”
When Get Smokin and De La Cruz head to the submit Saturday, there shall be no secrets and techniques. They’ll go to the lead and run as quick and so far as they’ll. Final yr, it was all the best way to the winner’s circle.
This yr, Casse didn’t want any prodding from his proprietor to do this spot. He expects his veteran to run an enormous race.
“His final race (United Nations) was nearly as good as any race he has run,” Casse mentioned, “particularly coming off just one prior begin in seven months. He’s good. He’s a cheerful horse.”
This press launch has been edited for content material and elegance by BloodHorse Employees.
