Colic Forces Smooth Air to Miss Texas Mile

By Jason Shandler

Updated: Saturday, April 25, 2009 3:43 PM
Posted: Friday, April 24, 2009 1:57 PM

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Mount Joy Stables’ Smooth Air, the likely favorite for the $300,000 Texas Mile (gr. III) at Lone Star Park April 25, has been scratched from the race after a bout with colic, it was confirmed on April 24.

Smooth Air became ill on the night of April 23 and was taken to a local equine clinic. Lone Star Park director of racing Larry Kraft said the 4-year-old son of Smooth Jazz was treated at about 6 p.m. and “is doing fine today.”

Trainer Bennie Stutts Jr. will likely ship the colt back to his home base at Calder Race Course April 28.

The illness also puts Smooth Air’s appearance in the May 25 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) at Belmont Park in jeopardy.

Smooth Air, who won the Gulfstream Handicap (gr. II) last month for the third grade II score of his career, was attempting to become a millionaire with a victory in the Texas Mile. Jonesboro, also trying to go over $1 million in earnings, could become the post time favorite. A field of seven is now expected to go to the starting gate.

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