SMOKIN JOE DELIVERS ANOTHER KNOCKOUT PUNCH

Smokin Joe flies to the finish with Jan Aviles in the saddle. Photo courtesy J.J. Zamaiko

HMDC Racing Stables and Taste of Victory Stables Smokin Joe made it two in a row with a late burst of foot on Monday,September1. Trainer Mike Rone gave a leg up to Yan Aviles who broke cleanly from the gate with Smokin Joe and wisely elected to let the top three pace setters keep each other busy.

Not to lose contact with the lead trio, Smokin Joe responded to prompting as they entered the turn and his momentum steadily ate into their lead. In full stride, he didn’t wrestle the front until the final 100 yards and then increased his lead quickly to 2 1⁄4 length win margin. Smokin Joe is a 3-year-old gelded son of Mobil-Nevergonnahappen-Elusive Quality bred by Mapleton Farm. Smokin Joe collected $19,840 for his impressive win while in for a $50,000 tag. Getting better as he matures, he now sports a record of 9-3-1-3 for $84,827.