Smooth Air recuperating from colic

Smooth Air, who had been the probable favorite for the Grade 3, $300,000 Texas Mile at Lone Star Park on Saturday, was scratched from the race after a bout with colic on Thursday night, said his trainer, Bennie Stutts Jr. The scratch was made Friday.

Smooth Air won the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap in his last start March 14, and was to use the Texas Mile as a springboard to the Grade 1, $600,000 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park. But now, the Met Mile is out, too, said Stutts.

"We'll scratch that - that would be asking too much," he said. "At this stage, where he'll run next, that's undecided."

Smooth Air, who flew to Lone Star on Tuesday from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., took ill Thursday night and was taken to an equine clinic on the grounds at Lone Star.

Smooth Air, who did not need surgery, was treated and kept under observation at the clinic. He was expected to be released Friday afternoon, said Stutts.

"The horse is bright, the horse is much better," said Stutts. "But they'll keep him all day, and if he's okay, we'll take him back to his stall."

Stutts said Smooth Air is scheduled to fly back to his Calder Race Course base on Tuesday.