Mike E. Smith

Every time Mike Smith is interviewed about Zenyatta, he talks about her preference for the 1 1/4 mile distance, consider this with "Sea" out of the Classic, doesn't it seem like a done deal that Zenyatta will go in the Classic?

Can you believe it! Mike Smith has Zenyatta completely in hand throughout and she still dominates. Yes, put her in the Classic where she belongs.

Would like to hear what Ron Ellis has to say about Rail Trip's performance. He was so confident going into the race. Colonel John was essentially shut down around the turn and the grinder type he is, never recovered his stride. Hats off to Richard's Kid and the smart ride by Mike Smith. He went wide but never had to break stride. Can't tell you how many times at Del Mar in large fields that the best horses are saving ground but get trapped on the inside due to the quirkly far turn configuration and the longshot closers circle the field uninterrupted and hit the wire before the trapped horses finally break free.

Agree that the Animal Planet Series--Jockeys was a surprise hit. Liking the addition of Corey Nakatani and Alex Solis to the program. Mike Smith was the lone "money rider" featured in the first season so maybe there will be a little more competition featured at the top end. The mix of seasoned veterans and the new kids on the block (Joe Talamo, Kayla Stra) created a more intriguing story line.

Without a doubt, Season Two of 'Jockeys' on Animal Planet will be even bigger this year. In addition to making Chantal Sutherland a household name in racing, it certainly didn't hurt jockey Joe Talamo's career either. All of the jockeys - Mike Smith, Aaron Gryder, Kayla Stra and Jon Court did a great job in Season one. Young apprentice Brandon Meier also was featured. For Season Two, it sounds like they are adding Corey Nakatani and Alex Solis. Should be a good one.

In that replay you can see Zenyatta put her head down for the drive at the top of the stretch. Then, about mid stretch she turns slightly to look at her competition to her left as if to say, "yeah, right". Of course, Smith, on the other hand appeared to be saying "holy crap". Ran the last quarter in just over :22. Pretty amazing.

What is also interesting is Mike Smith comes in to ride Mr. Foricos Two You... a 15-1 shot. And there are only two "out of town" jockeys in the race, Smith and Russell Baze.

Calvin Borel off, Mike Smith on. A considerable step up in ego if nothing else.