Analysis: Contrasting Breeders' Cup rides for Rosario, Smith

After questionable tactics were used aboard McKinzie in the Awesome Again Stakes (G1), trainer Bob Baffert made the highly publicized move to replace Mike Smith for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park.

Overall, Joel Rosario did give McKinzie a better chance to win Saturday by using aggressive tactics.

After breaking well and sitting third into the first turn, Rosario tried to fit McKinzie through the inside before War of Will blocked him.

But rather than settle, Rosario guided McKinzie in between War of Will and Mongolian Groom. McKinzie took up the pressing position as opposed to lagging a few lengths back in the Awesome Again.

The improved position allowed McKinzie to secure the lead around the far turn when War of Will folded and Mongolian Groom continued to pressure.

Vino Rosso rolled up on the outside, though, and what Baffert feared -- too fast of a pace -- took its toll on McKinzie in stretch. Vino Rosso outkicked McKinzie to win by 4 ¼ lengths, and the beaten favorite once again swished his tail when Rosario used the whip.

McKinzie still ran a credible second. Higher Power made a mild rally to pick up third, another 4 ¼ lengths behind McKinzie. Elate moved late from last to fourth.

McKinize's trip, however, put him in the right spot when the real running began. It was all up to the horse in the stretch, and he simply came up a bit short.

It remains possible the 1 1/4 miles proved too far for McKinzie. In two other races at 10 furlongs, he ran 12th in last year's Classic and a close second in the 2019 Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

But McKinzie also ran markedly better than in the Awesome Again. On Saturday, he just happened to run into a fellow 4-year-old, Vino Rosso, who has seriously improved this season.

There's reason to believe McKinzie's a great fit for a race like the nine-furlong Pegasus World Cup (G1) in January. Should connections press on to another 1 1/4-mile spot in the future, at least there won't be Vino Rosso to contend with again with that one headed off to retirement.

Omaha Beach, Midnight Bisou suffer from similar trips

As Rosario gave McKinzie a chance, Smith continued to give passive rides on the favorites in both the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and Distaff.

Aboard Omaha Beach in the Dirt Mile, Smith allowed his star mount to fall eight lengths behind the pacesetter Spun to Run. Granted, Omaha Beach did not break sharp as possible.

But in past races such as the the Rebel Stakes (G2) and Arkansas Derby (G1), Smith let Omaha Beach roll up upon the leaders early.

In the Dirt Mile, Omaha Beach lagged six to eight lengths back until finally unleashing his rally around the far turn. Spun to Run had enjoyed an uncontested lead though and still looked in command despite drifting.

Once Spun to Run switched leads in mid-stretch, he straightened out and drew clear. Omaha Beach could only pass Blue Chipper for second.

Four races later in the Distaff, Midnight Bisou received almost the same trip.

Initially, Midnight Bisou ran only five lengths off the leaders on the inside. But she lost some ground on the backside and fell 7 ¾ lengths behind.

Midnight Bisou finally unwinded around the far turn, but Blue Prize had better position right outside Serengeti Empress and Ollie's Candy.

Blue Prize got first run and passed Serengeti Empress to win. Midnight Bisou rallied within range of Blue Prize, but hung late for second.

Smith remains one of the greatest active jockeys. But it is fair to question whether he gave his mounts the best chance with those two rides.

Expect Omaha Beach and Midnight Bisou to rebound in their next starts under Smith.

Covfefe takes advantage of great ride

To end on a high note, Covfefe received a perfect ride in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Instead of racing inside and taking pressure from Danuska's My Girl and Heavenhasmynikki, Rosario took her back and outside Heavenhasmynikki. This gave her a better chance to relax early.

With Covfefe in her preferred position, she put away the inside speed, repelled Spiced Perfection and held on when Bellafina came forward.

Covfefe turned in an excellent performance to win. But it was Rosario's quick thinking after the break that helped set up her big effort.  

Bellafina also deserves credit after getting criticized for only defeating small fields in her three initial 2019 wins. She ran great for second.

As for Come Dancing, it is possible she did not handle the softer surface.

While there has been a lot of talk about jockeys, the right horse is still needed. In most cases, the jockey only makes a small difference.

But in some cases jockeys do make errors, just as anyone in their job does.

Credit to Vino Rosso, Spun to Run, Blue Prize, Covfefe and all the other Breeders' Cup winners for their wins yesterday. Those horses gave everything and rewarded their connections with memories for a lifetime.