Cannon Thoroughbreds' Smooth Like Strait, runner-up in the 2021 FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), headlines a field of 11 horses entered Sunday for the the $600,000 Maker's Mark Mile (G1) Friday at Keeneland.
The Maker's Mark Mile, for 4-year-olds and older on the turf course, will go as the ninth race with a 5:16 p.m. ET post time. First post is 1 p.m.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Smooth Like Strait will be making his 2022 debut in the Maker's Mark Mile and will have regular rider Umberto Rispoli aboard when he exits post position six.
An earner of more than $1.4 million, Smooth Like Strait compiled a 7-1-5-1 record in 2021 with his losses coming by less than a half-length. His victory came in the Shoemaker Mile (G1).
Smooth Like Strait is not the only Grade 1 winner in the field.
Trainer Paulo Lobo will send Keeneland stakes winners for Bonne Chance Farm and Stud R D I: In Love and Ivar The former won the Keeneland Turf Mile (G1) last fall; the latter took the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) in 2020. Alex Achard will be aboard In Love from post one, and Joe Talamo is on Ivar from post five.
The other Grade 1 winner in the field is Agave Racing Stable and Sam-Son Farm's Count Again, who is coming off a win in the Frank Kilroe Mile in March at Santa Anita for trainer Phil D'Amato. Joel Rosario has the mount from post seven.
The field for the Maker's Mark Mile, with riders from the rail out, is:
1. In Love (BRZ) (Achard)
2. Shirl's Speight (Luis Saez)
3. Atone (Tyler Gaffalione)
4. Masen (Flavien Prat)
5. Ivar (Talamo)
6. Smooth Like Strait (Rispoli)
7. Count Again (Rosario)
8. Somelikeithotbrown (Jose Ortiz)
9. Set Piece (Florent Geroux)
10. Mira Mission (Julien Leparoux)
11. Public Sector (Irad Ortiz Jr.)
All starters will carry 123 pounds.
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