Quote:
Originally Posted by GMB@BP
well that would mean two others are going 23 and 46...I guess it could happen.
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Actually, Mike Smith likes to play "cat-and-mouse" and has already done so with Justify. In the Santa Anita Derby he tried to float Bolt D'Oro out wide, which failed and Justify ended up struggling to switch leads, twisting a shoe, and drifting in late.
In races that are basically distilled down to 2 horses, as the Preakness figures to be (i.e., Justify and Good Magic), Smith has shown he'll try some questionable tactics, presumably because he's trying to outsmart other riders. While he's been successful in some of those races, I don't know if the wins were due to his tactics or
in spite of them.
He shifted position with Arrogate when stalking California Chrome in the 2016 BC Classic. Espinoza of course was completely distracted by it and rode even sillier than Smith that day.
He's also questionable when he's on the overwhelming favorite. His rides on Abel Tasman, Midnight Bisou, and Unique Bella have backfired at times.
Who know's what stunt he'll try to pull at Pimlico. I'm sure we'll know its coming when he starts looking back under his arm for Good Magic around the 3/8s pole...
