Shirreffs looking for new rider for Skinner

There is a job opening at trainer John Shirreffs’ barn at Del Mar.

Shirreffs need a rider for his leading 3-year-old Skinner, who is scheduled to have his debut against older horses in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar Sept. 2.

Earlier this summer, Shirreffs had considered Skinner for the Grade 1 Travers Stakes for 3-year-olds at Saratoga Aug. 26, but has opted to remain in California.

“This introduces him to older horses,” Shirreffs said.

The Pacific Classic is California’s leading annual race for 3-year-olds and older at 1 1/4 miles.

The unpredictable summertime weather in upstate New York was a factor in the change of plans, Shirreffs said.

“I don’t want to go all the way across the country and run into a big thunderstorm,” Shirreffs said.

By staying in California, Shirreffs has lost Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who is booked to ride Geaux Rocket Ride in the $1 million Pacific Classic. Smith rode Geaux Rocket Ride to a win in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles at Monmouth Park July 22.

“I have to find out who is around,” Sherriffs said of a replacement rider.

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Owned by Lee and Susan Searing’s CRK Stable, Skinner was second to Travers hopeful Reincarnate in the $125,000 Los Alamitos Derby at 1 1/8 miles July 8 in his first start since a half-length loss in the Santa Anita Derby in April.

Skinner was withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby on May 5 because of a reported elevated temperature, and was scratched from the $100,000 Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita on June 5 after Shirreffs said the colt “didn’t jog sufficiently well” in the days before the race.

Skinner has yet to race at 1 1/4 miles, which is not an issue for Shirreffs.

“That’s the one thing he’ll like, is a little extra distance,” Shirreffs said. “He’s training well into the race.”

On Friday, Skinner worked six furlongs in 1:12.40 at 6:30 a.m. under Smith, who has been closely allied with Shirreffs for decades.

“He’s looking really good and I’m happy with Mike’s comments after the works,” Shirreffs said.

Slightly more than an hour later, Smith, who turned 58 on Thursday, worked Geaux Rocket Ride five furlongs in 1:01.40.

“They’re both training really well,” Smith said. “They just cruised, nice and happy. We weren’t doing anything fancy.

“The 3-year-olds look good this year.”

The Pacific Classic will be Geaux Rocket Ride’s first start at 1 1/4 miles. Trained by Richard Mandella, Geaux Rocket Ride has had two works since the Haskell.

“He’ll get a longer work next week,” Mandella said. “He’s doing great. He looks like he’s back and ready to go.”

The Pacific Classic field will also include the highly-regarded Arabian Knight, who was third in the Haskell Invitational in his first start since January. Trained by Bob Baffert, Arabian Knight worked seven furlongs in 1:24.40 at Del Mar on Friday.

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