Scabbard snags Smith for Breeders' Cup Juvenile

Mike Smith, the leading rider in Breeders’ Cup history in wins and money won, will ride Scabbard in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Nov. 1 at Santa Anita, trainer Eddie Kenneally said Wednesday.

Kenneally mentioned that owner Joe Sutton opted for Smith “and we’re absolutely delighted to have him,” Kenneally said.

“He’s the leading rider in the series, plus it’s his home track,” he said.

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Among Smith’s 26 Breeders’ Cup victories are wins in the 1995 Juvenile aboard Unbridled’s Song and the 2002 Juvenile with Vindication.

Scabbard – who made his first two starts under the name Noose – was ridden by Corey Lanerie in his first three starts, including a second-place finish behind Dennis’ Moment in the Grade 3 Iroquois on Sept. 14 at Churchill Downs. Dennis’ Moment figures to vie for favoritism in the Juvenile with Eight Rings.

In the Iroqouis, Scabbard had to steady off the heels of a horse in front of him at the half-mile pole. He split horses around the turn, tipped wide in the lane, and finished well, though he never threatened Dennis’ Moment.

“The winner won in hand, but we got beat less than two lengths by probably one of the favorites in the race,” said Kenneally, who planned to breeze Scabbard on Thursday at Churchill Downs.

Pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup must be made by Monday. The Juvenile field appears to be coming up light numbers-wise. As of Wednesday, the seven confirmed runners, with riders, are: American Theorem (Tiago Pereira), Dennis’ Moment (Irad Ortiz Jr.), Eight Rings (John Velazquez), Maxfield (Jose Ortiz), Scabbard (Smith), Storm the Court (Flavien Prat), and Wrecking Crew (Paco Lopez).

Others still under consideration for the race include Big City Bob, Green Light Go, Our Country, and Shoplifted.

Our Country, a son of Constitution trained by George Weaver, has made his four starts on turf, with a maiden win and, most recently, a third in the Grade 3 Pilgrim. Weaver said the plan was to give the horse a work on dirt at Saratoga by the weekend to see if the Juvenile could be a viable option. Our Country also will be considered for the Juvenile Turf.