Mike Smith takes off 'Bird for Belmont

[jpops757]

Originally Posted by CSC

Riding at Belmont is alot different than riding at other tracks, being that it is a 1 1/2 oval. Regardless of what I believe, given that N.Y boasts a very deep Jockey colony I have no trouble asserting that Mine That Bird will not be hurt by Smith's departure. I see the obvious names have been mentioned already but you could name any of the top current 9 in the standings and you would probably gain something on the Jockey change. Borel is good at CD, but did anyone watch him at Oaklawn? Personally I would love to see Lezcano get the chance on the big stage, his style would suit MTB's preferred running style.

He won several riding titles at Hot Springs before he moved to CD. Very few times taking Borel of would be an upgrade, Wy is it so popular to downgrade him? If he has the horse he knows where the lilly pads are and will help a horse win the race either in thr lead or closing.