Gryder credits Smith for Blingo mount

Gryder guided the late-running Blingo to his first graded stakes win in the San Antonio (Benoit Photo)

If Blingo wins the Santa Anita Handicap, Aaron Gryder would be the first to
admit he owes Mike Smith a debt of gratitude. Gryder rides the five-year-old
gelded son of Artie Schiller, whom he piloted to a 15-1 upset in the Grade 2 San
Antonio on February 8, and will have the return ride for trainer John Shirreffs
in the 77th edition of Santa Anita’s marquee race on March 8.

“I was working a couple horses for John at Hollywood Park, even after the
track closed,” Gryder said. “I give credit to my friend Mike Smith as far as
making the introduction and kind of opening the doors with John for working his
horses.

“Blingo was one of the first ones I worked, but I was always impressed with
him. John told me the key to the horse is keeping him happy. In the race before
the San Antonio, (the San Pasqual in which Blingo ran an eventful sixth), he
lost it in the paddock and ran his race before it even started. But he was
pretty good before the San Antonio, and the whole race I was just letting him
settle. I didn’t ride him worrying about where Game On Dude was or anybody else.
Obviously I was liking the pace, but it was about my horse being comfortable.