In what has to be seen as somewhat of a surprise Bob Baffert announced today he was replacing Hall of Fame and Triple Crown winning jockey Mike Smith on McKinzie for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic. Mike Smith is also the winningest jockey in Breeders’ Cup history and his Triple Crown came aboard the Baffert trained Justify. Earlier this year Mike Smith was riding Roadster for Bob Baffert and Omaha Beach for trainer Richard Mandella. With both colts heading to the Kentucky Derby Smith chose to stay with Omaha Beach. Omaha Beach would scratch due to a breathing problem and Florent Geroux got the call on Roadster. Baffert stated he wanted to let Smith know early enough to find another mount. He did not name a new jockey for McKinzie as of yet. McKinzie has been ridden by Smith in all his starts, most recently a second place finish in the Awesome Again as the heavy favorite.
