Paddle On Polly became the first winner for first-crop sire Smokem when she narrowly took a $67,000 maiden contest for California-bred juveniles in the second race May 13 at Santa Anita Park. Running second and third behind her in a three-horse photo were a pair of other fillies by the stallion.
Making her second start after a debut fourth at Santa Anita April 30, Paddle On Polly shot to the front in the 4 1/2-furlong dash on the main track and maintained a slight advantage throughout. She turned aside Smokem for You leaving the turn and outlasted hard-charging It's Saul Right for a head victory. She was timed in :54.18 on a fast track, paying $26.80.
Apprentice Emily Ellingwood rode the winner for trainer Lisa Bernard, who co-owns the filly with Chris Fosselman and Michael John Ryan.
Ryan purchased the Terry C. Lovingier-bred filly for $10,000 from the Lovacres Ranch consignment to the 2021 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale.
Smokem (Union Rags ) stands in California at Lovacres Ranch for $5,000. The 7-year-old horse won his debut at Del Mar in 2017 and placed in four consecutive stakes before his retirement.
Besides the top three finishers from Friday's second race, Smokem is the sire of Smokin Amelia, who ran a distant second to eventual stakes winner Tom's Regret in a maiden special weight race at Santa Anita April 15.
