Shugs Boca Grande makes her 3 yr old debut

[KirisClown]

Originally Posted by robfla

sure hope mike smith isnt riding her. he needs to retire, just doesnt seem to have the competitive spirit anymore

Smith had ridden her in all three career starts, and she's responded to him pretty well...

Id be surprised if he wasnt on her.

[POINTGIVEN1985]

there is nothing wrong with smith, hes just not getting the mounts he used to, he is a hall of famer, and hes still solid

[cmorioles]

I'm not sure he would be solid at CharlesTown right now. He rides very scared in my opinion.

[MisterB]

Originally Posted by POINTGIVEN1985

there is nothing wrong with smith, hes just not getting the mounts he used to, he is a hall of famer, and hes still solid

Better check your notes. he had a runner last week at the Big A, I could have rode, and provided the same results. The horse was an easy winner, but old Mike thought he was better tailing the field, with 3 bullet works under him. NOT!!! He is in love now, can't compete with the kids with BALLS. Afraid to go when he should, afraid to grab the opeing, Mike is toast.

On a good note, If he does grab the ride this weekend, I am sure Shug understands he won't win, an considers this a training route, for the bigger prizes ahead. meaning, overlay conditions for a winner to evolve. My play is Smith, NO win, a toss, but a great tune up

[JDank34]

MisterB....how can you say you could have ridden a horse as well as M.S.? Have you ever ridden a thoroughbred?

[MisterB]

Originally Posted by JDank34

MisterB....how can you say you could have ridden a horse as well as M.S.? Have you ever ridden a thoroughbred?

YES I rode allot of them, and I was afraid too. What's your point, I have to ride a horse, to see someone else can't.

[POINTGIVEN1985]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

There is obviosly something wrong with Smith. I was a big fan of him about 10 years ago but he is just not the same rider and in watching him day in and day out you can see it. He now rides 2 ways, gun to the front or drop back far enough early that he is out of any kind of trouble and hope he can circle the field. He is hurting his mounts now more than he is helping. If he was even a shell of his former self he would be getting mounts.

i disagree, i never said he was the best or anything like that, but i do feel his recent slump or whatever you want to call it, is mainly due to the mounts he's getting