Dash Attack storms home late in Smarty Jones

Jan 01, 2022 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

A track-and-distance winner in his debut on Dec. 5, Dash Attack made
it two in a row over Oaklawn Park's one-mile trip Saturday in the $250,000
Smarty Jones S.

Sent off at 7-1 in a field of 13 newly-turned three-year-olds, Dash Attack
broke from post 1 and saved ground most while racing in midpack. Urged by jockey
David Cohen into contention with a five-wide move turning for home, Dash Attack
quickly sped by the leaders through the short stretch and won by two lengths.

'I was pretty much expecting the trip we got,' Cohen said.

A homebred campaigned by Catalyst Stable, Magdalena Racing, Kevin Pollard,
and Patty Slevin, Dash Attack returned $17.40 after covering one lap of the
sloppy Oaklawn course in 1:39.44. Dash Attack is trained by Kenny McPeek.

Barber Road rallied for second, one length ahead of Ignitis. Kavod weakened
to fourth after making a brief lead in the stretch and was followed by Vivar,
Cairama, Ben Diesel, Ruggs, All in Sync, 5-2 favorite Home Brew, Bureau,
Don'tcrossthedevil, and Cool Papa G.

A Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying event, Dash Attack earned 10 points toward
the 'Run for the Roses.' Barber Road earned four points, Ignitis two points, and
Kavod one point.

A 1 1/4-length winner first out following an off-the-pace trip, Dash Attack
moves on to his next start with earnings of $205,440.

'He really didn't find his best stride until the last 50 yards [in his
debut],' Cohen said. 'Even today, I would have liked to have been more patient,
but with the short stretch we had to get him out there and get the running
going. I definitely look forward to him getting more distance in the future.'

Foaled in Kentucky, Dash Attack is by Munnings and out of Cerce Cay, a Hard
Spun half-sister to the multiple stakes-winning Song of Navarone and Celluloid
Hero.