Elation for Mike Smith as he reunites and wins with McKinzie

On his first start since returning from Saudi Arabia, McKinzie returned to winning ways on Sunday in the Grade 2 Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita Park under a handy ride from Mike Smith.

"This was a perfect out for him. He had a cozy post and he showed his class," trainer Bob Baffert said. "It was workmanlike, and this'll really move him up for next time."

Baffert said the Triple Bend served as a prep for the Grade 1 Runhappy Metropolitan Handicap on July 4 at Belmont Park, a race in which McKinzie was the runner-up last summer.

The five-year-old son of Street Sense was tested back to seven furlongs for the first time since winning the Malibu Stakes in December 2018.

It was his second start of the season after finishing 11th in the inaugural Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack where he raced behind a wall of horses. Baffert said the horse lost weight from the trip and received a month off after returning stateside.

"We're happy he's back after that fiasco [in the Saudi Cup]," Baffert said. "He's been looking really good training, in all of his works. It's great to have him back."

McKinzie: encountered traffic problems when 11th in the Saudi CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

McKinzie broke from the outside post as the 1-2 favourite in a field of five. He was fifth through the opening quarter-mile and fourth at the half-mile point as stablemate Ax Man showed the way. Fashionably Fast showed speed out of the gate before settling in second, a half-length off Ax Man.

Smith made a three-wide bid on McKinzie as the field turned for home and moved to the front with ease. Fashionably Fast fought back, but McKinzie ultimately pulled ahead to win by one and a half lengths.

Smith rode McKinzie in the horse's first 13 starts but was replaced by Joel Rosario for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic, when McKinzie finished runner-up. Rosario also rode McKinzie in the Saudi Cup while Smith was second aboard champion mare Midnight Bisou.

"He is one of those throwback champions," Smith said. "They could run five-eighths of a mile or a mile and a quarter. He just seems to be able to do it all. It is just amazing some horses can do something like that."

"The wonderful thing about McKinzie is he had me in the game early, and I mean he was ready to pounce at all times," Smith said.

"It wasn't like I had to make up a whole lot of ground to get to him or anything. I was able to get on by and hold his way. He got a great race out of that. I want to thank the owners and Bob for reuniting us again. You can't wipe this smile off my face."

Fashionably Fast held off Dark Vader by a neck for second. Flagstaff was fourth and Ax Man faded to fifth.

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