LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hall of Famers Bob Baffert and Mike Smith have found themselves in opposing camps for this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) after winning the Triple Crown last season with Justify, but undoubtedly welcomed the return to the winner’s circle of older star McKinzie, who dominated Friday’s $400,000 Alysheba Stakes (G2) after tough beats in the San Pasqual (G2) and Santa Anita Handiap (G1) earlier in the season.
The 7-10 favorite facing seven rivals, McKinzie relinquished the lead to Tom’s d’Etat around the first turn, saved ground behind that rival until the turn for home, and then overpowered that rival and the rest through the lane to win by 4 3/4 lengths in a time of 1:41.10 for 1 1/16 miles over a good track.
“I wish the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) was today,” said a jubilant Smith.
Owned by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, McKinzie paid $3.40. Tom’s d’Etat finished second, 3 3/4 lengths ahead of Seeking the Soul.
McKinzie has been first or second in all of his career starts save one, a 12th place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in his only prior visit to Churchill Downs last November. He previously accounted for the Los Alamitos Futurity (G1), Pennsylvania Derby (G1), Malibu (G1), and Sham (G3), but has had his share of tough luck missing at odds-on twice to start the season.
“I knew if there was one horse who can’t get beat this week it was this guy right there. He was going to set the tone for us,” Baffert said. “He’s been training well but you have to win to get it going. Especially this horse. He’s had some tough breaks, tough losses.”
Baffert said next month’s Metropolitan Handicap (G1) on the Belmont Stakes (G1) undercard is likely next on the agenda.
Bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Farm, McKinzie is a son of Street Sense and multiple Grade 2 winner Runway Model. He’s now earned $1,483,560.
