2010 Preakness: Mike Smith Talks Jackson Bend; Garcia/Baffert Back in Milady

For the second year in a row, jockey Mike Smith just missed winning his second Preakness Stakes. After finishing second with fast closing Mine That Bird last year, he finished a close third yesterday aboard Jackson Bend (pictured on the left).

Back at Hollywood Park on Sunday afternoon, Smith was victorious twice. He won a six furlong turf sprint for $40,000 claimers aboard Banner Lodge in the fourth race and followed that up two races later by guiding Harmonious to her maiden-breaking victory in a turf route.

Upon returning to his home track after guiding Lookin at Lucky (pictured on the right) to victory in yesterday's Preakness Stakes for trainer Bob Baffert, jockey Martin Garcia received a hero's welcome from the fans in attendance and public address announcer Vic Stauffer.

The pair teamed up again with Wynning Ride in Sunday's featured Grade 2 $150,000 Milady Handicap run over Hollywood's cushion track, but they had to settle for second place after finishing half a length behind Made for Magic with Omar Berrio aboard.

Made for Magic has proven to be an astute $16,000 claim for trainer A.C. Avila, who said after the victory that plans for his mare's next race will be concentrated on avoiding a matchup with Zenyatta, who is a perfect 16-for-16 in her career.

Smith, who has been aboard Zenyatta in her last 15 wins, said that she is training great in preparation for her next start on June 13th in the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap.

Click here to see my interview with Mike Smith and coverage of the Milady Handicap from Hollywood Park

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