From DMTC Publicity
DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2023) — Brown, Klein or Lebherz’s Dr. No No made the lead inside the eighth pole, then just hung on by a whisker to capture the 34th edition of the I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar Friday.
The photo-finish camera showed Dr. No No, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Smiling Tiger, and rider Ramon Vazquez a nose best at the end of the six-furlong feature, just holding off fast-closing Mici’s Express, who is owned by Thomas Halasz.
“He got to lay outside and stalk them around there,” said trainer Brian Koriner. “At least there were enough horses up front with the speed horse so we didn’t have to do all the work. He broke a little more sharp than I thought he would and he was a lot closer than I thought he would be. That’s why I was worried about the horse that ran second, because he nabbed us two races back on the wire the same way. Lucky we held on today because my horse matured a little bit.”
Dr. No No was bred by PT Syndicate #1. Finishing third in juvenile dash was London, Lovingier and Zondlo’s Last Call London, a half length farther back.
Time for the race was 1:11.67 and the winner paid $7.40 for $2.
The I’m Smokin carried a value of $125,000 as part of the Golden State Series of races run up and down the state over the course of the year. The winner picked up a check for $71,250 and increased his earnings to $130,290 for his second victory in his third start.
Racing will return to the track Saturday with a 1:30 first post. Following that will be Sunday’s final card of the season.