Mike Smith

[tywizard]

Yes I do place value on him. At CD. In big time races.

So when he gets the mount on a horse I already liked somewhat that does move the horse up.

I'm assuming you aren't a fan of his? Or are you questioning the value of a rider upgrade in general?

[Danzig]

smith, like most jocks, is overrated. some can mess up a horse, but most of the time i doubt they do much to improve a horses chances.
if a horse can't do it, he can't do it, regardless of jock. they can't give a horse more talent.
now, if you have a horse that's difficult and a jock can calm him, that's a good thing. but in most cases, it doesn't matter who you put on them.

[Scofield]

Originally Posted by Danzig

smith, like most jocks, is overrated. some can mess up a horse, but most of the time i doubt they do much to improve a horses chances.
if a horse can't do it, he can't do it, regardless of jock. they can't give a horse more talent.
now, if you have a horse that's difficult and a jock can calm him, that's a good thing. but in most cases, it doesn't matter who you put on them.

Danzig,i agree with you for the most part.Angel Codero carried Bold Forbes on his back the last 1/4 of a mile in the Belmont Stakes.
Imo the bigger the race the more important a jockey becomes.