Zipse: Holy Bull headliner gives off Smarty Jones vibes

The much-anticipated sophomore debut of Maximus Mischief is set for Saturday at Gulfstream Park, when the undefeated colt will line up for the Holy Bull (G2). As one of the early favorites for the 2019 Kentucky Derby, all eyes will be on the son of Into Mischief, who's looking to continue his excellent juvenile form. 

Owned by Cash is King and LC Racing, Maximus Mischief began his career at Parx Racing in the fall of his 2-year-old season for trainer Butch Reid. It's certainly not the most likely place for a top racehorse to come from, but of course, a good racehorse can come from anywhere. And that's just what happened 15 years earlier when Smarty Jones also started out at Parx. The similarities between the two colts do not end there.

Much as the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner did, Maximus Mischief came out running. He completely outclassed his competition early.

While Smarty Jones won his debut by 7 3/4 lengths, Maximus Mischief broke his maiden at first asking by 8 3/4 lengths. From there, both started once more in the fall at Parx and impressively made it 2-for-2. Beginning their respective careers at the Pennsylvania oval was natural for each, as their trainers were based there, but it was soon on to bigger and better things.

Maximus Mischief found tougher competition and more distance as well when he took on the assignment of the Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct in early December. Demonstrating that he could handle the distance, he successfully navigated the nine furlongs and took care of his six rivals in facile fashion. The way he did it, showing good speed early, despite pressure, and then spurting away as the field straightened out, was reminiscent of the people's horse back in 2004.

Smarty Jones had speed, talent and courage in spades. And just like Maximus Mischief, he made his third career start, and first at a route of ground, in New York for trainer John Servis. Also at Aqueduct, the Eclipse Award winner proved that he could win away from Parx (then known as Philadelphia Park), overcoming a stumble at the start to dominate the Count Fleet Stakes. 

You can see why I compare the two. Not only where, when and how they won their first three career starts, but also for their running style, and even the way they look running.

The time has finally come for their paths, separated by a decade and a half, to diverge. While Smarty went on to prep for the Kentucky Derby in Arkansas, Maximus Mischief has been sent to South Florida to begin his journey to Louisville. If he can continue what he promised last year, he is likely to get his 3-year-old season off to a winning start.

Of course, Smarty Jones went on to win 8 of 9 lifetime starts, with that only loss coming while tantalizingly close to sweeping the Triple Crown. Maximus Mischief, as good as he has looked so far, isn't even in the same zip code yet. But as we approach three months out from the Kentucky Derby, I see a whole lot of interesting similarities between this undefeated and talented colt with the 2004 champion.