How to bet the 2022 I'm Smokin Stakes

Eight California-bred two-year-olds will dash six furlongs on the Del Mar dirt in Friday’s $125,000 I’m Smokin S. A talented field has been assembled, and I believe that the morning-line favorites will be tough to upend in the heat.

#8 Giver Not A Taker (5-2) really impressed when streaking home to a dominant debut win on the surface on Aug. 14 for conditioner Peter Miller. The gelded son of Danzing Candy took a lot of money in that heat and did not disappoint in driving clear by a widening, 7 3/4 lengths under today’s pilot, Jose Valdivia Jr. He has come back with a trio of useful morning drills in the interim, and I really think that drawing the outside post will be advantageous for the homebred. The April foal will track the tempo from the start while always in good striking range.

#1 Kangaroo Court (8-5) didn’t beat much in his graduation last time out, but the son of Dads Caps was surely impressive, nonetheless. Trained by Tim Yakteen, the March foal was 14 lengths clear under the wire while coming home in a swift final time, and a repeat of that performance will obviously make him the one to beat despite drawing the tricky rail post. Regular pilot Abel Cedillo retains the mount and will be sending the gelding from the opening bell.

#6 Straighten Up (5-2) is a length shy of being 2-for-2 to begin his career for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. By Straight Fire, the fleet bay was well clear in second in the Graduation S. on the oval on Aug. 12, and I really like the trio of half-mile moves that the January foal has posted in advance of his second stakes attempt, as well. The Hollendorfer trainee will be flying out of the gate, and if he can avoid a duel with the other major pace player in the cast, then he rates a logical winning chance for sure. Mike Smith stays in the silks atop the colt.

I’m Smokin Wagers

• $20 win: #8 Giver Not A Taker ($20)
• $6 trifecta key: 8 with 1,6 ($12)
• $1 trifecta: 8 with 1,6 with all ($12)