Early Encore Dominates I'm Smokin Stakes on Del Mar's Final Day
In a thrilling conclusion to the Del Mar racing season, the highly anticipated I'm Smokin Stakes witnessed a spectacular performance by Early Encore, who galloped to a significant victory. The race, held on the final day, saw the favored colt assert his dominance early and maintain it throughout, leaving competitors trailing. This triumph not only highlighted Early Encore's exceptional talent but also underscored the strategic brilliance of his jockey and trainer, adding another feather to their caps in the competitive world of horse racing.
Early Encore Secures Resounding Victory at Del Mar's I'm Smokin Stakes
On a bright and bustling Monday, September 7, 2026, as the curtains drew on another exhilarating racing season at Del Mar, a compelling narrative unfolded in the $100,000 I'm Smokin Stakes. The spotlight shone brightly on the formidable favorite, Early Encore, a two-year-old California-bred colt. Under the expert guidance of jockey Emisael Jaramillo and the meticulous training of John Sadler, Early Encore delivered a masterclass in sprinting, dominating the six-furlong race with an impressive 6 1/4-length win.
From the moment the gates flew open, Early Encore, breaking from the outermost post position, demonstrated his intent, quickly establishing a half-length lead within the opening quarter-mile, clocking in at a swift 22.05 seconds. Despite initial pressure from Prime Splash and Little King, Early Encore showcased remarkable resilience. A dramatic start saw Net Par stumble badly, relegating him to the rear of the seven-horse field. Jaramillo, seizing the advantage of his post position, adeptly positioned Early Encore, later commenting, "The post position today was the key for me. He broke well and he runs well and from there I could put him anywhere I wanted to. He ran his race and he's a good horse."
As the race progressed, Early Encore effortlessly widened his lead, clearing his inside rivals and crossing over with three furlongs remaining, reaching the half-mile mark in 45.70 seconds. A brief challenge emerged from Fumano's Fire on the outside at the five-sixteenths pole, but Early Encore swiftly quashed this bid, passing the five-furlong call in 58.27. With a decisive right-handed crop from Jaramillo, the colt surged forward, crossing the finish line in a blistering 1:11.32 on the fast main track. He returned payouts of $3.80 for a win, $2.40 for place, and $2.10 for show.
The resilient Net Par, having recovered from his troubled start, rallied strongly under Juan Hernandez to secure second place, paying $2.40 for place and $2.20 for show. Cupid Cowboy, trained by Edwin Alvarez and ridden by Abel Lezcano, claimed a clear third, finishing 7 1/2 lengths behind the victor and returning $3.80 for show. Empire of Ash secured fourth place, while Fumano's Fire, Little King, and Prime Splash completed the field.
Trainer John Sadler expressed his satisfaction, noting, "We think he was kind of fighting the track in his last start. He had more time over it and he worked better and better so we expected a big run from today." Owned by Desert Sun Stables, U Racing Stables, or Kostoff, et al., Early Encore’s victory earned a substantial $57,000. This win marked Jaramillo’s second stakes success of the meet and his inaugural I'm Smokin Stakes title. For Sadler, it was his second stakes triumph of the meet and his second I'm Smokin victory, following Jedi Mind Trick in 2013, solidifying his remarkable record of 95 stakes wins at Del Mar, the second-highest among all trainers.
The commanding performance of Early Encore in the I'm Smokin Stakes serves as a powerful reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence in horse racing. It's a sport where the synergy between horse, jockey, and trainer culminates in moments of pure athletic prowess and strategic brilliance. This race not only showcased the raw talent of a promising young colt but also underscored the dedication and experience of seasoned professionals like Jaramillo and Sadler. Their ability to adapt, strategize, and execute under pressure offers a valuable lesson in any competitive field: success often hinges on meticulous preparation, keen observation, and unwavering confidence in one's abilities.