Host Derek Simon of US Racing recaps the final round of Kentucky Derby preps, including the Lexington Stakes and Arkansas Derby, and chats with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who gives his thoughts on the condition of champion filly Songbird and his mount in this year’s Kentucky Derby — Danzing Candy.
Smith also discusses how he stays so fit at 50 years of age and reminisces about the great Zenyatta, the champion mare he piloted to 19 wins in 20 career starts.
In the Sports Betting segment, Kevin Rogers of VegasInsider.com drops by to discuss the NBA playoffs.
ABOUT THE GUEST(S)
In 1993, Smith broke the North American record for stakes victories in a year with 62, including his first Triple Crown series win with Prairie Bayou in the Preakness and a second consecutive score aboard Lure in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He won his first Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey and also took home an ESPY Award as top jockey that year.
1994 was even better. In addition to breaking his own record for stakes wins with 68 (20 of them in Grade I races), Smith also won his second straight Eclipse Award and added the Mike Venezia Memorial Award for “extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship” to his burgeoning trophy case.
In 2005, Smith won the Kentucky Derby aboard 50-1 longshot Giacomo and, five years later, he completed his own personal Triple Crown with a victory aboard Drosselmeyer in the 2010 Belmont Stakes.
In addition, his 17 Breeders’ Cup wins are a BC record.
