Jockey Mike Smith back on familiar turf at Belmont

In this May 24, 2018, photo Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith takes questions about horse Justify at the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. Mike Smith has ridden some of the best horses in history, Zenyatta and Arrogate come to mind, and is the career leader in Breeders' Cup victories. Now at 52, he has a chance to make history aboard Justify by winning the Belmont and completing a Triple Crown sweep. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) In this May 24, 2018, photo Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith takes questions about horse Justify at the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. Mike Smith has ridden some of the best horses in history, Zenyatta and Arrogate come to mind, and is the career leader in Breeders' Cup victories. Now at 52, he has a chance to make history aboard Justify by winning the Belmont and completing a Triple Crown sweep. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

By Associated Press June 7, 2018 5 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – Walking into Belmont Park is like old home week for Mike Smith.

The jockey knows the vast track with its sweeping turns like the back of his hand. Fans who remember him from his successful years riding the New York circuit will hoot and holler.

Smith feels a comfort level at the track that has spelled heartbreak for so many other Triple Crown attempts over the years.

Now he and Justify will take their turn, with a win in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday making the colt racing’s 13th Triple Crown winner and second since 2015.

“I pray that we just get our chance and all those years of experience over it come into play because if that’s the case, we’ll be tough,” Smith said recently. “It’s actually one of my favorite racetracks. You can do so many different things that can win you a race when you might not be on the best horse.”