Report: Mike Smith makes Kentucky Derby 2019 decision

Tasked with an envious, yet difficult choice exiting the final round of preps, jockey Mike Smith has selected his Kentucky Derby 2019 mount.

The Daily Racing Form's Jay Privman reported Tuesday after speaking with trainer Richard Mandella that Smith will remain on Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Omaha Beach in the May 4 race at Churchill Downs.

Smith also rode Roadster to victory in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), giving him the option between the potential top two wagering choices -- that after sweeping the Triple Crown last year aboard Justify.

The assignment on Roadster will go to Florent Geroux, his agent, Doug Bredar, confirmed Tuesday.

"It was one of those situations where the dominos kind of fall," Bredar said.

Omaha Beach, who began his career on turf, has won three straight entering the Kentucky Derby, beating the Bob Baffert-trained Game Winner in the Rebel Stakes (G2) before topping Improbable in the Arkansas Derby.

Baffert also trains Roadster, a possible second Derby choice who's 2-for-2 this season.

“It’s a lovely decision to have," Smith said after the Arkansas Derby. "We’re going to go back and see how everyone comes back and go from there. Evaluate the situation. Then my agent will make the decision. That’s why I pay him.”

Was this an upset in itself? Representing Smith is Brad Pegram, son of Mike, one of Baffert's top owners behind current older star McKinzie, in addition to names like Real Quiet and Lookin At Lucky.

The Hall of Famer Smith, 53, is a two-time Derby winner having also won it in 2005 aboard longshot closer Giacomo. In recent years, he had the mount on Fox Hill's top runner, the champion filly Songbird.

Geroux, meanwhile, holds the current gig on champion filly Monomoy Girl and before that rode Horse of the Year Gun Runner. This will mark Geroux's fourth straight Derby mount with a third on Gun Runner in 2016 his highest finish to date.