2011 Breeders' Cup: Drosselmeyer's Win in Classic Cements Mike Smith's Legacy

Despite being a 14-1 shot in a stacked field against horses like Uncle Mo and Havre de Grace, Drosselmeyer prevailed in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Classic.

Not only does the win cement Drosselmeyer's legacy, but it does the same for his jockey Mike Smith.

Smith has won every leg of the Triple Crown, including the Belmont Stakes in 2010 aboard Drosselmeyer, and his victory in the Classic on Saturday gave him 15 career Breeders' Cup wins. That tied him with Jerry Bailey for the most all-time among jockeys.

Smith has long been considered one of the best jockeys in the sport, and I think it is safe to say that this win places him among the best ever. Smith had essentially every accolade possible prior to winning the Classic—his list of accomplishments simply can't be ignored.

He clearly has an excellent rapport with Drosselemeyer; their win in the Classic on Saturday was quite reminiscent of their Belmont victory. Seemingly out of nowhere, Drosselmeyer surged from the middle of the pack and dashed in front from the outside.

The timing was impeccable in both instances. Much of the credit needs to go to Smith in that regard. A jockey certainly needs a great horse to succeed, but at the same time, the horse needs a cerebral and experienced person to guide him.

In that sense, Drosselmeyer and Smith are the perfect combination.

Perhaps Smith hasn't always gotten the praise that some of his compatriots have, but this win is just another reminder of the immense level Smith has risen to as a jockey.