Smooth Like Strait now targets Arlington Million
DEL MAR, Calif. – A poor position draw caused trainer Michael McCarthy to scratch Smooth Like Strait from the Wickerr at Del Mar on Sunday, forcing him to go to Plan B. It’s a pretty lucrative plan.
McCarthy on Wednesday said Smooth Like Strait would be sent to Churchill Downs, where the Arlington Million will be contested this year on Aug. 13 owing to the demise of Arlington Park. Smooth Like Strait has made three previous trips to Churchill Downs, most recently in May 2021 when he was narrowly beaten by Colonel Liam and Domestic Spending when third in the Grade 1 Old Forester Turf Classic.
McCarthy said John Velazquez would have the mount in the Million.
Smooth Like Strait is scheduled to have two more works here, the first this weekend, before heading to Kentucky.