With 15 wins so far this Del Mar meet, you wouldn’t think Peter Miller has been doing it tough – he sits just two victories off joint leaders Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill.
But by his usual high standards, Miller’s goal was to win this summer carnival at the iconic seaside venue.
And with plenty of runners still to start over the weekend to finish off the meet, that could still happen.
However, on Saturday night (US Pacific Time), the nine-time Del Mar season champion just wanted to celebrate Giver Not A Taker’s brilliant finish to salute by 2.25 lengths in the USD $125,000 I’m Smokin Stakes over six furlongs.
Jose Valdivia Jr was aboard from gate eight, judging the run home to perfection.
Miller just wanted to stay in the moment and not plan ahead for the two-year-old gelding’s next start, which so often happens in the cut-throat world of horse racing even straight after a feature win.
“I’m just going to enjoy this, and hopefully he comes out well and we can point to the next,” Miller told HorseBetting.com.au.
“I’d probably prefer to keep him in Cal-bred company. That would be my first inclination.
“But I’ll talk to (owners) Mr and Mrs Robison and we’ll make a plan.
“Super finish. These are long-time clients and their grandson is getting married about a mile away from here.
“That’s why they’re not here, so it’s pretty cool.”
Miller knew Giver Not a Taker – the equal-favorite with eventual runner-up for Jerry Hollendorfer, Straighten Up – was primed to produce the strong finish that he did.
“I did. I felt he was capable. I knew Jerry’s horse was a tough horse, and he proved to be,” the proud Del Mar conditioner said.
“It was a two-horse race and I’m just glad we came out on top.”
Despite the fact Miller hasn’t quite met his lofty expectations this Del Mar meet, he was delighted to receive a phone call from his attentive young sons Jacob and Seth after overseeing Giver Not a Taker’s victory.
“The kids love it. It’s a lot of fun – it’s a family affair,” he said.
“It’s been an up-and-down meet. It kind of hasn’t been one of my best.
“We’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of titles here – I think nine.
“So it’s not my best. It’s been a little scratchy.
“But today winning two (also La Macarena with Juan Hernandez aboard in race two) and hopefully we have a good weekend to close, then I’ll forget about the other seven weeks.”
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