SMOKE N SANTANNA PUT DOWN
Connections of promising 2YO pacer Smoke N Santanna were dealt a cruel blow when the colt broke a leg in a paddock accident and could not be saved.
The Santanna Blue Chip-Smoke N Mirrors colt was turned out after his second 2YO Addington win on May 23 with the best intentions.
He was expected to return for the 3YO Sires Stakes series.
“I’m gutted about Smoke N Santana. It only happens to good ones,” said trainer Mark Jones.
Smoke N Santanna raced only six times for two wins, rating 1:58.4 (1950m) in his last run, quickening over his last 800m in 57.1s.
He also finished a creditable fifth in the $156,400 Garrards Sires Stakes 2YO Final at Addington last month for breeder-owners, Pete, Debbie and Patricia Smith.
He is the second foal and second winner from their good mare Smoke N Mirrors (1:58.9 mile rate, 1950m, 10 wins), with first foal Smoke N Grin winning once from four starts.
Her next foal is a Courage Under Fire yearling filly, while Smoke N MIrrors was served last year by Auckland Reactor (1:51.4, US, 32 wins from 53 starts).