NEWS
Smith back on Mine That Bird for West Virginia Derby
Posted: Saturday, July 04, 2009 4:32 PM
MIKE SMITH
Benoit & Associates photo
by Mike Curry
Bennie “Chip” Woolley Jr. did not get the three-race commitment he sought from a rider for Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Mine That Bird, but the trainer did lock up Racing Hall of Famer jockey Mike Smith for the Birdstone gelding’s next two starts.
Smith will ride Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby (G2) on August 1 at Mountaineer Race Track and the $1-million Shadwell Travers Stakes (G1) on August 29 at Saratoga Race Course. He was aboard Mine That Bird for his runner-up finish in the BlackBerry Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 16 at Pimlico Race Course.
"Mike Smith has given us a two-race commitment for the West Virginia Derby and the Travers," Woolley said. "Hopefully, we won't be in a switch in the Breeders' Cup."
Smith did not commit to ride Mine That Bird in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 7 at the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park. He is the regular rider of unbeaten champion Zenyatta, who won the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) last year and probably would be among the favorites should she face males in the Classic this year.
Smith replaces Calvin Borel, who rode Mine That Bird in the Derby and for his third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (G1). Borel was unable to give Woolley a firm commitment to ride Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby.
"I'm very happy to have the opportunity to get back on him,” Smith said. “Hopefully, I can make amends for what happened the last time and get him home this time."
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
