Mike Smith Slapped With 3-Day Suspension

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Jockey Mike Smith received a three-day suspension from Santa Anita stewards for his ride aboard Ulloa in Saturday's second race.

Ulloa, who is owned by Harry J. Aleo and trained by Greg Gilchrest, finished first in the $62,500 maiden 3-year-old claiming test by 1 ¼ length, but was disqualified and placed third for interfering with third-place finisher Saint Lorenzo in the stretch drive.

Citing "failure to make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in the stretch, causing interference which resulted in the disqualification of his mount," stewards set Smith down April 3-5.

Smith, the regular rider for Horse of the Year Azeri, he is scheduled to be aboard the 5-year-old mare in her 2003 debut in the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at Oaklawn Park on April 5. Under the designated race rule, it's expected that he will serve the final day of his suspension the following day.

Mike Smith won three races on both Saturday and Sunday, bringing his meet total to 41 victories. He is sixth in the Santa Anita jockey standings.

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