In a career already marked by versatility and stakes success, Implementation added a long-awaited feather to the cap with a commanding victory in the $75,000 Smile Sprint at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The seasoned six-year-old gelding, owned by Ken Ramsey and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., broke new ground by scoring his first-ever win over six furlongs on dirt, a trip he had only attempted twice in 25 prior starts.
Despite being known as a deep closer with a preference for longer distances, Implementation showed unexpected early interest under Edgard Zayas. Breaking alertly from the rail on a muddy, sealed track, the son of Constitution found a comfortable rhythm behind pacesetter Air Combat, who blazed through swift fractions in the early stages. Zayas guided the gelding off the rail at the top of the stretch, and with a measured push, Implementation surged ahead with purpose.
The closing stages were never in doubt. Once in the clear, Implementation repelled a late rail bid from El Principito and crossed the wire two lengths in front, stopping the clock at 1:09.95. The win carried a payout of $6.40 for backers of the second choice, with Shaq Diesel checking in third after a mild rally.
The result not only marked his eighth career win but also pushed his earnings beyond the $590,000 mark, a testament to his consistency across all racing surfaces. For Joseph and Zayas, it was a performance that underscored class, readiness, and a horse who continues to evolve even at six years old.
With this box checked, Implementation continues to prove that even in the latter stages of a racing career, new challenges can still be met with professionalism and triumph.
