Smith lands mount on Mine That Bird

Mike Smith, Zenyatta's regular rider who's one of the best big-race jockeys in the nation, has landed the mount on Mine That Bird for the West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1 and the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 29.

Smith rode Mine That Bird in the Preakness when Calvin Borel opted to stay aboard Rachel Alexandra, who went gate-to-wire and became the first filly to win the second leg of the Triple Crown in 85 years.

Borel could not give a commitment for the West Virginia Derby, so trainer Chip Woolley secured the services of Smith for the two races. Interestingly, Smith could not commit to the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 7. Hmmmmm. Perhaps the Zenyatta camp is thinking of taking on the boys in the big one?

"Hopefully we won't be in a switch in the Breeders' Cup," Woolley said.

Smith was at Churchill Downs on Saturday to ride Thorn Song in the Firecracker Handicap and expressed his delight at securing the mount on this year's Kentucky Derby winner.

"I'm very happy to have the opportunity to get back on him," the Hall of Famer said. "Hopefully I can make amends for what happened the last time and get him home this time."

Smith and Mine That Bird were a fast-closing second in the Preakness.