Editor’s Note: RealClearLife, a news and lifestyle publisher, is now a part of InsideHook. Together, we’ll be covering current events, pop culture, sports, travel, health and the world.
Jockey Mike Smith, who rode Justified to a Triple-Crown win last year, will be back riding in the Kentucky Derby after all.
Smith was scheduled to ride on the early 4-1 favorite, Omaha Beach, but the horse was scratched early in the week due to a breathing ailment and will undergo surgery.
His new horse, 30-1 shot Cutting Humor, was supposed to be ridden by jockey Corey Lanerie, but owners Starlight Racing opted to switch to “Big Money Mike” after he became available.
Smith, 53, had success at the 1¼-mile Derby before last year as he rode 50-1 shot Giacomo to victory in 2005.
With the Derby down to a field of just 19 after 30-1 shot Haikal was scratched because of an infection in his hoof, Smith should theoretically have an even better chance at hitting paydirt.
But is it worth wagering on Cutting Humor?
The desk jockeys at The New York Post don’t believe so.
According to The Post, having Smith aboard won’t be enough to boost Cutting Humor out of the middle of the pack and they predict he’ll finish 11th. For what it’s worth, they like 8-1 colt Maximum Security out of the seventh post to win the Run for the Roses as “a wire-to-perspire winner.”
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
