Smooth as the strait has been retired by owner Michael Cannon of the Purebred Cannon.
The news was first reported by Daily Racing Form.
Cannon says that Midnight Lute’s 6-year-old son will be sent to his Nevada ranch and can go to school next year.
“He’s definitely retired,” Cannon told DRF. “He’s done enough in his career. Looks like he doesn’t want to run anymore.”
Smooth Like Straight finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) in 2021, holding the lead for most of the race before failing to hold the Space Blues (IRE), which won by half. way.
Out of Flower Alley, mare Smooth As usual, Smooth Like Strait ended her career 7-9-3 after 26 starts and earnings of $1,813,863. His most famous win came in 2021 when he won Shoemaker Stakes (G1T) at Santa Anita. It was the last win of his career.
He last ran on March 11 at Lawn heaven in Cotton Fitzsimmons Handicap, fifth place, 2 1/2 back.
Cannon told DRF that Smooth Like Strait doesn’t have the pedigree to be “commercially valid”.
“I wanted to take him off the track and make him happy and comfortable,” Cannon said.
