Early Encore leads all the way in I’m Smokin Stakes romp
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DEL MAR, Calif. – Early Encore rebounded from a disappointing third-place finish in his stakes debut last month to win Monday’s $100,500 I’m Smokin Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar on the closing day of the track’s summer meeting.
Sent off favored despite the recent loss, Early Encore, with Emisael Jaramillo riding, set the pace before scooting clear to win the race for California-bred 2-year-olds by 6 1/4 lengths.
“That was the race we expected last time,” winning trainer John Sadler said.
Early Encore was beaten 1 1/4 lengths in the Graduation Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs for statebreds on Aug. 7, racing near the front until in the final furlong.
In the I’m Smokin Stakes, Early Encore set early fractions of 22.05 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.70 for a half-mile. Early Encore led by a length entering the stretch and was quickly in command of the race.
Early Encore ($3.80) was timed in 1:11.32.
Net Par, winner of the Graduation Stakes, overcame a poor start to finish second as the 8-5 second choice Monday.
“He didn’t want to stand in the gate,” jockey Juan Hernandez said. “He broke a little sideways and stumbled after that.”
Cupid Cowboy (25-1) finished third, followed by Empire of Ash, Fumano’s Fire, Little King, and Prime Splash.
Early Encore, by Early Voting, has won 2 of 3 starts. He won his debut in a maiden race for California-breds at 4 1/2 furlongs on May 24 at Santa Anita by 6 3/4 lengths.
“He has a lot of potential,” Sadler said.
Early Encore, purchased for $50,000 at the Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale last September, has earned $108,000 for a large partnership that includes Desert Sun Stables, Hans and Ana Maron, who race as Saints and Sinners Stable, and Tier Racing LLC.
Early Encore’s next start may be the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile at seven furlongs on Oct. 31 at Santa Anita, the next race in the stakes series for California-breds.
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