Dubai: Jockey Mike Smith has achieved possibly everything he has set eyes on as a professional.
The lone gem missing in his crown of glory is the golden whip, awarded to the winning rider in the $10million Dubai World Cup.
On Saturday, however, the 51-year-old Smith has his best chance of setting the record straight when he rides red-hot favourite Arrogate in the 22nd running of the annual showpiece race.
“It is amazing to see how much he [Arrogate] has accomplished in such a short while and in so few races,: the American said at Thursday’s Breakfast with the Stars gala at Meydan.
“He is such an incredible horse and I can safely say that I have never sat on anything like this ever in my career.
His mechanics are just so amazing. He is big and long with such powerful strides and he is so much fun to watch. I am hoping he will get his opportunity on Saturday night and hopefully we will see something special from him,”
The jockey also insisted his colt would remain unfazed despite alien conditions on the big night.
“Night racing, heat or crowd. This would make very little difference to him,” he said. “He is young and he is adaptable to any conditions. He’s shipped so well every time he’s run. He’s just laid back and he is a dream horse and a half to have for anyone,”
“Things like these don’t seem to really bother him. He knows just enough things that he’s got to do to get down there and win. He will do well. He’s got that mentality where things don’t really bother him. I get the feeling that he’s excited being here. Obviously he has trained so well this morning and so we are all systems to go,” Smith added.
“In a field like this, we should be taking no one for granted as everyone has been preparing for this night. Each and every horse could jump up there and take it. They are all here because they are good enough to be here. So we’ve got to be there and win it. I’ve just got to do my job.”
