Mike Smith is a great jockey

[slotdirt]

His Jaycito ride gave a whole new definition to wide trip. Just think if ol' Mike could have figured out a way for the horse to run straight earlier. He's at least on the board, IMO.

I know Mike Smith loves the ambulance path, but that was kind of ridiculous.

[Bigsmc]

Of course he is a great jockey, he's in the Hall of Fame.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

Of course he is a great jockey, he's in the Hall of Fame.

Earlie Fires is GREAT.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by cakes44

Earlie Fires is GREAT.

So is Point Given

[classhandicapper]

I don't want to argue about his talent as a rider, but one thing I am totally convinced of is that he loved that horse and is a pretty classy guy.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by classhandicapper

I don't want to argue about his talent as a rider, but one thing I am totally convinced of is that he loved that horse and is a pretty classy guy.

B/c he drinks wine with Chantal? He may well be classy but I don't know exactly what you are basing it on....The stories I've heard of him when he was in the Toga colony in the early 90's surely aren't too positive behind the scenes.

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

B/c he drinks wine with Chantal? He may well be classy but I don't know exactly what you are basing it on....The stories I've heard of him when he was in the Toga colony in the early 90's surely aren't too positive behind the scenes.

On Saturday before the races Smith signed 100's and 100's of Zenyatta posters before going into the jocks room. That shows some class IMO.

[asudevil]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

B/c he drinks wine with Chantal? He may well be classy but I don't know exactly what you are basing it on....The stories I've heard of him when he was in the Toga colony in the early 90's surely aren't too positive behind the scenes.

That's a long time ago. Mike is a terrific guy. He brought my kids into the paddock at Del Mar, took pictures with everyone standing near the jocks room....he is good people.

[classhandicapper]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

B/c he drinks wine with Chantal? He may well be classy but I don't know exactly what you are basing it on....The stories I've heard of him when he was in the Toga colony in the early 90's surely aren't too positive behind the scenes.

I called him classy because of the way he has carried himself under intense pressure and because of the way he cares about the horse.

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

B/c he drinks wine with Chantal? He may well be classy but I don't know exactly what you are basing it on....The stories I've heard of him when he was in the Toga colony in the early 90's surely aren't too positive behind the scenes.

Ive met him on three occasions now. He is gracious, humble and extremely cordial. I don't know what he did 20 years ago when he was a kid (just imagine if we were all judged by what we did in our teens and twenties), but as an adult he comports himself like a gentleman...from what I've seen and from anyone that has ever talked about him.

Call him a stinky rider if you want. I know I wouldn't bet him in a turf race with Smooth Operator's mutual fund money. At the same time, I think the question of his class is below the belt and unwarranted.

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

His Jaycito ride gave a whole new definition to wide trip. Just think if ol' Mike could have figured out a way for the horse to run straight earlier. He's at least on the board, IMO.

I know Mike Smith loves the ambulance path, but that was kind of ridiculous.

I think that more of a case of Jaycito getting hit with REAL DIRT for the very first time and no reacting well to it. Mike was just trying to keep him out of harms way.

[slotdirt]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

I think that more of a case of Jaycito getting hit with REAL DIRT for the very first time and no reacting well to it. Mike was just trying to keep him out of harms way.

Yeah, I know, but that was still one of the more bizarre moments of the weekend. He closed purty darn well though all things considered.