While the $250,000 Joe Hernandez (G2) on the hillside turf course at about 6 ½ furlongs is set to mark the return of Hit the Road after an 11-month layoff, he won't be the only Grade 1-winning miler in the starting gate Saturday if everything goes according to plan.
On Monday, trainer Michael McCarthy said Breeders' Cup veteran Smooth Like Strait will make his hillside debut in the Joe Hernandez.
“We've been wanting to run him down the hill for a long time,” McCarthy said.
Smooth Like Strait has earned more than $1.7 million while compiling a record of 24-7-9-3 for owner Cannon Thoroughbreds. In the Nov. 5 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), the 5-year-old Midnight Lute horse faded late to finish ninth after setting the pace. He returned in last month's Seabiscuit Handicap (G2) at Del Mar and again finished off the board.
Smooth Like Strait and Hit the Road, who will be making his first start since January's Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1), lead 22 nominees for the Joe Hernandez. The race along with the rest of Saturday's card will be drawn on Wednesday.
The post Grade 1 Winners Smooth Like Strait, Hit The Road Could Meet In Santa Anita’s Joe Hernandez appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
