Woodward Stakes 2012: Jockey Finish Mirrors Belmont Stakes

To Honor and Serve took the 2012 Woodward Stakes, beating out favored Mucho Macho Man and putting jockeys John Velazquez and Mike Smith in a familiar position.

Velazquez was in the winner's circle at the 2012 Belmont Stakes as the jockey of Union Rags. Smith jockeyed Paynter that day, when he was also favored to win.

The deja vu situation is familiar, yet probably uncomfortable for Smith, who took a lot of criticism for his mismanagement of Paynter down the stretch at the Belmont Stakes, leading to Velazquez making a push and getting the unlikely win.

Smith's error opened the door for Union Rags and Velazquez to make a late push and capture the victory down the stretch. He took full responsibility for the error that cost the owners and breeder the victory, and took some harsh media criticism, as well.  

This time, it was Smith chasing Velazquez, but he couldn't pull off the upset the way his counterpart did in June at the Belmont Stakes.

Velazquez didn't open the door for Smith to make a push, and was able to ride To Honor and Serve for what he called a "perfect" trip down the stretch for the victory.

Mucho Macho Man was the odds-on favorite at Woodward, but behind him at 7-2, To Honor and Serve was able to preserve the victory, putting the two men back in the position of being first and second at the end of a major race.

Of course, since horse racing is usually a 1-on-12 affair, it's tough to say that you're competing against just one man. But the similarities and outcomes are too close to ignore, as these two have now been in multiple races where Velazquez came out on top.  

While it's probably a fluke, it's certainly worth noting that they may be compared as their careers move forward. Keep an eye on both Smith and Velazquez as they move forward. There may be more opportunities for the two to best each other, and for Smith to get a little revenge.