Max Ciao grew to become the preliminary stakes winner for first-crop stallion Maxfield in scoring a slender victory within the $101,000 I am Smokin Stakes Sept. 5 at Del Mar.
The darkish bay or brown colt got here from simply off the tempo in a area of eight California-bred juveniles, edging Thirsty Insurgent by a nostril in masking 5 1/2 furlongs on a quick observe in 1:03.59. He paid $16.60 to win.
Armando Ayuso rode the winner for coach Steve Knapp, who co-owns Max Ciao with companions Terry Lovingier and John Moroney. Max Ciao improved to 2-0-1 in 4 begins, and the first-place prize of $57,000 in Friday’s race elevated his earnings to $117,000.
“I feel he will get higher and higher each time he runs. I like this horse,” Ayuso stated.
Lovingier bred Max Ciao out of the a number of stakes-placed Flatter mare Bella Ciao . Max Ciao is her second winner from as many foals of racing age.Join BloodHorse Day by day
Knapp sees the potential for additional enchancment for Max Ciao. “There’s a lot extra expertise there and he will need to run longer,” he stated.
Maxfield, the third main first-crop sire in North America via Sept. 5, is a Godolphin homebred son of Darley’s Avenue Sense . Maxfield gained six graded stakes whereas racing from 2 to 4, together with his greatest wins coming within the 2019 Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at 2 and the 2021 Clark Stakes (G1) at 4. He stood this previous breeding season at Darley for $40,000.
Video: I am Smokin S. (BT)
