Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of New Jersey
Smithwick’s Spice, a homebred gelding trained by Douglas Nunn, made a strong showing in the $75,000 Extravagant Kid overnight handicap at Gulfstream Park on November 24. Ridden by Jorge Gonzalez, the 8-year-old horse sprinted to an early lead and successfully fended off multiple challengers in the stretch, ultimately securing an upset victory.
Covering 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.90 over the all-weather Tapeta course, Smithwick’s Spice achieved his 14th career victory out of 50 starts. This win marked his fourth stakes race victory of 2024, including wins in the Leinster Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and the Select Stakes and Joey P. Handicap at Monmouth Park.
Gonzalez quickly hustled Smithwick’s Spice to the front from the outermost Post 8, posting fractions of 22.25 and 45.11 seconds while maintaining an uncontested lead. While he faced dwindling margins as they straightened for home, the son of Frost Giant persevered through the stretch to hold on for a victory by a nose.
This year, Smithwick’s Spice has earned $272,525, bringing his total career earnings to $727,792.