Smith’s Numbers Rise in Fall

Even if Mike Smith doesn’t win another race in the Hollywood Park fall meet, the jockey has already done considerably better in 2002 than he did in 2001.

After 10 racing days, Smith sits atop the standings with 10 victories, one more than defending champion Alex Solis and Laffit Pincay. Solis won 30 races here a year ago, Pincay 23. Smith had all of two winners.

Smith, teamed with talented agent Brian Beach, ranks 11th nationally this year with more than $10.1 million in purse earnings and has five mounts on today’s card.

After sitting out the first, a five-horse race for fillies and mares on the turf, he will ride longshot Russellette in the second, first-time starter Thunder’s Echo in the fourth, contender Mamone in the fifth, recent maiden winner Arms Control in the seventh and Fatal Caper, another first-time starter, in the eighth.

Race of the day: Dream Machine drops out of graded company to make his Northern California debut in today’s seventh at Golden Gate Fields. Last seen finishing last in the Oak Tree Derby, the French-bred gelding is trained by Julio Canani and will be ridden by Joe Steiner.

Who’s hot: Tom Roberts. The high-percentage trainer is off to a five-for-16 start at Golden Gate.

Who’s not: John Candlin. The New York-based trainer is four for 120 in 2002.

Exotically speaking: Exacta boxes in the sixth keying Bigboystoy with Cinnful Bride, Script Girl and Aaron Avenue.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/17. Money: Previous day/meet total: $14.40/$80.40. Total money bet: $166.