Giver Not a Taker employs proven tactics in I'm Smokin score

Giver Not a Taker found a successful formula at Del Mar this summer.

After winning a maiden special weight for California-breds from slightly off the pace on Aug. 14 in his first start, the gelding replicated that style with a win in his stakes debut in Friday’s $125,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for statebred 2-year-olds at six furlongs.

Ridden by Jose Valdivia, Jr., Giver Not a Taker tracked pacesetter Straighten Up through solid fractions of 22.46 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.16 for a half-mile while racing wide. Giver Not a Taker challenged 6-5 favorite Straighten Up in early stretch and took the lead with less than a furlong remaining, winning by 2 1/4 lengths.

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Giver Not a Taker ($4.60) was timed in 1:09.82 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 81. Giver Not a Taker was the second choice.

Straighten Up held second, finishing 7 3/4 lengths in front of Amiga G A. Merit Song, Hacking It Up, and Moon Ice completed the order of finish.

Giver Not a Taker, a gelding by Danzing Candy, is trained by Peter Miller for owners and breeders Kirk and Judy Robison. Giver Not a Talker has earned $119,250 in two starts.

The complexion of the race changed earlier in the day with the withdrawal of Kangaroo Court, the 8-5 favorite on the morning-line. The winner of a maiden special weight for California-breds by 14 1/4 lengths on Aug. 20, Kangaroo Court was withdrawn after trainer Tim Yakteen said he was unsatisfied with the gelding’s condition.

“I wasn’t 100 percent sure that he was 100 percent,” Yakteen said.

“It’s nothing serious whatsoever. We’re talking about a young horse with a bright future. I’d like to be on the conservative side.”