Liam Smith looks to validate big Beyer

For a $50,000 claimer, Liam Smith ran more like a graded stakes horse when he won a sprint for 3-year-olds at Del Mar on Aug. 27.

Liam Smith won by 12 lengths, finishing 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:14.35. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 107, the highest in a sprint at the track’s summer meeting.

More than four weeks later, Liam Smith starts for the first time for owner and trainer Peter Miller in an allowance race at 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on Saturday.

Liam Smith drew the inside post in a field of six and will be favored. He will also face the biggest test of his career, which includes three wins in five starts since last December.

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“He’ll have at least to run as well as last time to win,” Miller said. “There are other nice horses in the race.”

Since Liam Smith was claimed, the gelding has had three workouts at the San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego county.

“He’s a very laid back kind of horse, very easy to deal with,” Miller said.

Liam Smith will be ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, who has been aboard for all five wins. Liam Smith was trained by Doug O’Neill in his first two starts before he was claimed for $62,500 by trainer Jeff Mullins in January. Liam Smith won two of three starts for Mullins.

In the allowance race, Liam Smith is expected to set the pace. The competition includes the quick colt San Saba, unraced since a maiden race win at Santa Anita in January 2025; and For All Mankind and Clouseau, who were second in their last starts at Del Mar.

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