Santa Anita: Mizdirection cruises in Clocker’s Corner Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. – Mizdirection gave Mike Smith his 4,991st career victory in Saturday’s $75,260 Clocker’s Corner Handicap at Santa Anita.

Mizdirection won the minor stakes over about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course by 2 1/2 lengths under a hand-ride, a win that Smith said was as easy as it looked.

“I wish they were all that easy,” said Smith, 46. “The whole time I stayed out of her way, all the way to the wire.”

Mizdirection ($2.40) was timed in 1:12.22. She led throughout, holding a one-length advantage on the hillside, which was extended in the stretch. Givine finished second, 1 1/2 lengths in front of Remit in the field of five fillies and mares.

Trained by Mike Puype, Mizdirection has won 5 of 9 starts and $300,111 for a partnership that includes sports television and radio talk-show host Jim Rome. A 4-year-old filly by Mizzen Mast, Mizdirection won the Grade 3 Monrovia Stakes on the hillside turf course Jan. 2 and will make her next start in the $100,000 Las Cienegas Handicap on the hillside turf course on April 14, Puype said.

He said a long-term goal is the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint here in November.