Smooth Like Strait Retired, May Stand Stud in 2024

Smooth Like Strait  has been retired according to his owner Michael Cannon of Cannon Thoroughbreds. 

The news was first reported by the Daily Racing Form. 

Cannon said that the 6-year-old son of Midnight Lute will be sent to his Nevada farm and could stand stud next year.

"He's definitely retired," Cannon told DRF. "He's done enough in his career. He looks like he doesn't want to run anymore."

Smooth Like Straight finished second in the 2021 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T), holding the lead for most of the race before being unable to hold off Space Blues (IRE), who won by half a length.

Out of the Flower Alley mare Smooth As Usual, Smooth Like Strait finished his career 7-9-3 from 26 starts and $1,813,863 in earnings. His highest-profile victory came in 2021 when he captured the Shoemaker Stakes (G1T) at Santa Anita. It was the last win of his career.

He last ran March 11 at Turf Paradise in the Cotton Fitzsimmons Handicap, finishing fifth, 2 1/2 lengths back.

Cannon told DRF that Smooth Like Strait does not have the pedigree to "stand commercial."

"I want to get him off the track and get him happy and relaxed," Cannon said.