There was nothing effortless about Grand Slam Smile’s latest triumph — and that’s exactly what made it special. The four-year-old filly showed her trademark heart and determination on Sunday at Del Mar, digging deep in the final furlong to outduel Issa Court and capture the Betty Grable Stakes by 1¼ lengths.
As the California sun dipped behind the grandstand, the $100,000 feature for state-bred fillies and mares unfolded into a stirring two-horse battle down the stretch. Issa Court, guided by Hector Berrios, dictated the pace through sharp fractions of 22.45 and 45.41. Sitting just off her flank, Grand Slam Smile and William Antongeorgi III bided their time before pouncing in the lane. When they reached the sixteenth pole, the favorite’s class began to tell — she surged clear to score in 1:22.34 for seven furlongs.
Issa Court (11-1) fought bravely to hold second, finishing nearly five lengths in front of No Cap (7-1), who stayed on gamely along the rail for third. Hot Girl Walk and Sneaker — the latter a dual turf stakes winner — completed the order after fading late.
“She bottles that energy up and when the gates open, she gives it all,” Antongeorgi said after his hard-fought win. “She’s a little quirky but very classy. Today the race really played into her hands — she’s versatile, dirt or turf, front or just off it.”
Trainer Sean McCarthy praised both horse and rider for their measured execution. “I told Billy, I don’t care where you are early, just give me a nice half-mile. He did exactly that. She was relaxed, her ears flicking — and when he asked, she responded. She’s just so game,” he said.
The victory marked Grand Slam Smile’s sixth career stakes win and her first since switching back to dirt after three turf starts. By Smiling Tiger out of the Larry D. Williams breeding program, she now boasts an impressive 16-9-6-1 record and $753,120 in earnings — a testament to her durability and consistency.
Bettors saw value in her reliability, too. Grand Slam Smile returned $3.40, $2.40, and $2.10. Issa Court paid $7.20 and $3.80, while No Cap returned $4.00 to show.
Live racing at Del Mar resumes Friday with an eight-race card beginning at 12:30 p.m.
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