Smooth Like Strait Relocates to California
Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm announced Sept. 4 that multiple graded stakes winner Smooth Like Strait will stand his third breeding season in California, alongside Nick Alexander’s highly respected stallion, Grazen .
After standing his first two seasons in Kentucky, this move brings Smooth Like Strait back to the state where he enjoyed most of his racing
success.
Trained by Michael McCarthy and bred and campaigned by Cannon Thoroughbreds, Smooth Like Strait built his reputation primarily on the
California circuit, capturing some of the state’s most prestigious turf contests. His graded stakes victories include the Shoemaker Mile (G1T), Mathis Brothers Mile (G2T), Twilight Derby (G2T), Cecil B. DeMille Stakes (G3T), La Jolla Handicap (G3T), and the War Chant Stakes.
A versatile runner, he also posted a career-best Equibase Speed Figure of 119 and proved competitive on both dirt and turf. Michael McCarthy said, “Not many horses have run triple-digit Beyers as often as Smooth Like Strait did in California (18 in a total of 26 starts). That consistency set him apart.”
Smooth Like Strait retired sound after earning $1,813,863 from 26 starts, with a record of 7-9-3. Among his 10 graded stakes placings were runner-up finishes in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T)—by a head to Space Blues , and the Arlington Million (G1T).
Smooth Like Strait will stand the 2026 breeding season at Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm for an advertised fee of $3,500, LFG.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
