MIGHTY SMART was purchased by the Hollywood Syndicate at the 2018 National Yearling Sale. This grey colt is sired by Archipenko, out of the dam Stan’s Smarty Girl (Smarty Jones), and was bred by Ascot Stud. Learn more about this horse here.
Name: MIGHTY SMART
Sex: Grey Colt
Foaled: 22/08/2016
Sire: Archipenko
Mare: Stan’s Smarty Girl USA (Smarty Jones USA)
Breeder: Ascot Stud (Pty) Ltd
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Purchased: National Yearling Sale, April 2018
Pedigree: View here
Record: 28-1-11
Status: Retired
Mighty Smart is a grey Archipenko colt, out of a “Smarty Jones” mare.
Archipenko is unfortunately no longer with us but sired the highest rated horse in Hong Kong (Time Warp) earlier this season.
The damsire, Smarty Jones who was a legend in his time, won the Eclipse award – American champion 3 year old male in 2004, winning the likes of the Kentucky Derby Gr1 and Preakness Stakes Gr1.
This colt was one of the first yearlings that really caught my eye, considering that greys are generally harder to look at.
I loved the way he walked with an aura of Gr1 presence about him.
Not the biggest colts on the sale, but we was very well put together and he comes across as a tough colt.
Unfortunately he picked up a bout of travel sickness on the way to his next destination, pre training. This left him with a fluctuating temperature for almost a month, but he has since recovered fully thanks to the Summerveld Equine Hospitals professional care and expertise.
He has since settled down very well and has started to grow into a very racy young colt. With a big hind quarter and strong shoulder.
UPDATES – Mighty Smart
October 8th, 2021
He raced over 1600m on the Fairview turf track. He had to overcome a wide draw of fourteen and never got into the race. He will be given one more chance from a good draw and we will be hoping to see improvement.
September 24th, 2021
He was having his first run for Gavin Smith over 2000m on the turf track at Fairview Racecourse. He raced from a mid-field position and lacked a finish in the straight. He will come on from the run and should show improvement in his next start.
May 21st, 2021
He had his first run in the Eastern Cape for trainer Duncan McKenzie. It was over 1400m which is still on the short side for him, but he was far from disgraced finishing third. He will come on from the run and when stepping up in distance, will be worth following.
March 19th, 2021
He has arrived safely at his new home. Once settled in, he should be ready to go with his local Eastern Cape debut.
March 14th, 2021
He was quite unlucky not to get a split earlier in his assault on the leading contenders, but managed to finish within 3 lengths of the winner. A fair effort considering. See the replay here.
February 28th, 2021
Another honest performance by this son of Archipenko today, despite the move to the Polytrack. He did well to stay on for third, over a trip which is probably at his absolute limit. See the replay here.
February 14th, 2021
He did well to overcome a very wide draw to finish in third place and that was despite the trip being on the sharp side. He should be cherry ripe for his next outing over a bit more ground. See the replay here.
February 6th, 2021
Here is an encouraging piece of work from Mighty Smart, working alongside stable companion, Share Holder.
December 11th, 2020
It was a rather disappointing performance from Mighty Smart today. Despite thinking that he would comfortably see out the trip, it appeared to be 400m too far for him. We’ll look to drop him back in trip next time out and he’ll be far more competitive.
December 8th, 2020
Mighty Smart, on the far side, working well up the hill. In consistent form, he looks destined for another big performance when stepping up to the 2400m trip, in Race 4, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse this Friday 11 December.
November 30th, 2020
He gave another solid account of himself today, finishing 4th despite racing without cover for much of the way. He is in a good place currently and should find the winners enclosure soon. See the replay here.
October 25th, 2020
So close. Given every chance by Luke Ferraris he just found one better on the day. It won’t be long before he finds the winners’ box again. See the replay here.
August 9th, 2020
Solid effort by this little grey today. He stayed on gamely for a well deserved second and all the signs are now there that he shouldn’t be too far away from picking up his second career win soon.
June 13th, 2020
Nice return to racing by Mighty Smart today. The mile was far short of his best, but that will bring him on nicely for a trip over a bit more ground next time.
May 31st, 2020
Following that grass gallop towards the beginning of May, he has come on nicely and is set for a return to racing on Sunday 7 June 2020. The 3-year old grey Archipenko gelding has been working well over the autumn, as seen in this clip, and should be set to give a good account of himself first up.
May 11th, 2020
The time off has certainly done him the world of good and this grey son of Archipenko is “chomping at the bit” for his return to racing. Seen here, in a grass gallop, stretching out nicely at Summerveld this morning.
May 2nd, 2020
After a spell off the track, he has come back into full work and is coping well with the pressure. It won’t be long before he is ready for his return to the course in a few weeks, and the son of Archipenko will be looking to bounce back to winning ways soon.
December 11th, 2019
Back for a run after his maiden victory in October. Paul Lafferty touches on his chances below. He runs in the 3rd Race at Hollywoodbets Greyville, on Friday 13th December 2019, a 1700m Novice Plate.
October 24th, 2019
Great to see Mighty Smart has pulled up well after his maiden win over the 1800m, at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. See trainer Paul Laffertys comments here.
October 23rd, 2019
He finally gets the job done at the 7th time of asking. A well-deserved win and a great ride by Sean Veale, in the 6th race at Hollywoodbets Greyville racecourse today. Lucky number 7 / Orange saddle cloth, may have been the lucky charm here. Well done to trainer Paul Lafferty and breeders Ascot Stud. Exciting times ahead for this progressive looking son of Archipenko.
October 21st, 2019
Mighty Smart lines up for his 7th career start this Wednesday 23rd October 2019, at Hollywoodbets Greyville. As trainer Paul Lafferty mentions in the clip below, he has an undeniable chance on what he has shown so far and he will be right there again.
October 14th, 2019
Mighty Smart, despite not winning as we had hoped, gave another honest account of himself to finish 3rd. That was his first start at Hollywoodbets Greyville and as Paul Lafferty mentions in the clip below, his first win is just around the corner.
See the replay of his run here:
October 10th, 2019
Mighty Smart lines up for his 6th career start this Sunday 13th October at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. Despite the fact that there are one or two dangers in the race, a lot appears to be in his favour and the stable are very confident of another big run. He deserves a lot of respect over this sort of trip and from a good draw for a change, he looks a good each-way bet. See the final field and a replay of his last start, here.
1900m – 15:40
TRACK & BALL GAMING MAIDEN PLATE
For all Maidens
1 | 8 | Just Dixit | 60 | 72 | A | G Wright | Frank Robinson | |
2 | 2 | Cassius Colt | 60 | 61 | A | *T Gumede -4.0 | Garth Puller | |
3 | 9 | Jumping Castle | 60 | 61 | TBA | *G Pieterse -4.0 | Ivan Van Wyk | |
4 | 12 | Ponzi | 60 | 0 | A | *K Sakayi -1.5 | Paul Lafferty | |
5 | 10 | Washington Post | 60 | 0 | A | S Khumalo | Gavin van Zyl | |
6 | 5 | Joseph Jagger | 57 | 82 | BA | K de Melo | Dean Kannemeyer | |
7 | 6 | Mighty Smart | 57 | 80 | A | D Dillon | Paul Lafferty | |
8 | 13 | Self-Mastery | 57 | 78 | A | *L J Ferraris | Garth Puller | |
9 | 1 | Elite Status | 57 | 73 | BA | S Randolph | Michael Miller | |
10 | 7 | Noble Flight | 57 | 72 | A | C Habib | Paul Lafferty | |
11 | 3 | Fortified | 57 | 33 | A | M Yeni | Michael Roberts | |
12 | 11 | Proud Warrior | 57 | 0 | A | R Danielson | Alyson Wright | |
13 | 4 | Smart Sox | 57 | 0 | A | W Kennedy | Dean Kannemeyer | |
Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
(2,8) (4,7,10) (6,13) |
September 20th, 2019
He returns to the course this Sunday 22 September 2019 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, where he will be looking to go one better this time.
1600m – 17:10
Hollywoodbets BRIGHT FUTURE MAIDEN PLATE
For all Maidens
1 | 7 | King Julian | 60 | 0 | A | D Dillon | Shane Humby | |
2 | 10 | Washington Post | 60 | 0 | A | *L J Ferraris | Gavin van Zyl | |
3 | 1 | Do Or Dare | 57 | 84 | A | W Kennedy | Dean Kannemeyer | |
4 | 12 | Mighty Smart | 57 | 81 | A | S Veale | Paul Lafferty | |
5 | 3 | Honest Illusion | 57 | 0 | BA | *K Sakayi -1.5 | Alistair Gordon | |
6 | 11 | Manic Brawling | 57 | 0 | A | M Yeni | Nathan Kotzen | |
7 | 9 | Russian Roulette | 57 | 0 | A | *J Jacobs -4.0 | Gavin van Zyl | |
8 | 4 | Sideswipe | 57 | 0 | A | *X Jacobs -4.0 | Gary Rich | |
9 | 8 | Straight Up | 57 | 0 | A | M Khan | Duncan Howells | |
10 | 2 | The Youngest Noble | 57 | 0 | A | *Y Ramzan -4.0 | Michael Roberts | |
11 | 5 | Tiger Tank | 57 | 0 | A | S Brown | Ivan Van Wyk | |
12 | 6 | Tribal Warrior | 57 | 0 | A | E S Ngwane | Dennis Bosch | |
Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
(2,7) |
September 7th, 2019
Mighty Smart has been accepted to run this coming Wednesday the 11th September 2019, at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. After his encouraging last start, it’s no surprise to hear a bit of confidence from trainer Paul Lafferty. Not forgetting that the form of his last start has held up nicely. See ‘Laffs’ take below, followed by the final field.
1750m – 16:40
Hollywoodbets BRIGHT FUTURE MAIDEN PLATE
For all Maidens
1 | 5 | William Henley | 60 | 71 | TBA | M Yeni | Mark Dixon | |
2 | 6 | Mana Santana | 60 | 66 | BA | *J Jacobs -4.0 | Garth Puller | |
3 | 8 | Fire Island | 60 | 64 | CA | S Randolph | Wendy Whitehead | |
4 | 2 | Stunning Guest | 60 | 60 | BA | D Dillon | Doug Campbell | |
5 | 3 | Mr Rabe | 60 | 51 | BA | S Moodley | Greg & Karen Anthony | |
6 | 10 | Persona Grata | 60 | 0 | A | G Wright | Julie Dittmer | |
7 | 9 | Mighty Smart | 56 | 81 | A | S Veale | Paul Lafferty | |
8 | 1 | Mamba Duke | 56 | 67 | A | W Kennedy | Gavin van Zyl | |
9 | 11 | Fortified | 56 | 0 | A | *L J Ferraris | Michael Roberts | |
10 | 13 | Gilded Age | 56 | 0 | BA | *K Sakayi -1.5 | Paul Lafferty | |
11 | 4 | Ice Baron | 56 | 0 | A | K de Melo | Dean Kannemeyer | |
12 | 12 | Pure Quality | 56 | 0 | A | S Khumalo | Nathan Kotzen | |
13 | 7 | Swanking | 56 | 0 | A | E S Ngwane | Nathan Kotzen | |
Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
(7,10) (12,13) |
August 26th, 2019
His prep for his next attempt at leaving the maidens is going well. Here he is over the weekend, working upsides with his stable companion.
August 5th, 2019
Post race report from Paul Lafferty, regarding the well being of this young gelding after his race yesterday. See the replay further down.
August 4th, 2019
Lovely run by the flashy grey Archipenko gelding, Mighty Smart, out at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today. A bit more luck in running and a better draw and he wins it. Definitely one to follow next time out. Bred for a bit more ground, but delighted to see him throwing his “hat into the ring” over the mile.
See the replay below:
July 31st, 2019
This son of Archipenko has his 3rd official start this Sunday 4th August 2019, at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Trainer Paul Lafferty give us his feelings on what to expect. See his comments and the final field below:
1600m – 14:05
1st R65625, 2nd R21000, 3rd R10500, 4th R5250, 5th R2625
TRACK & BALL GAMING MAIDEN PLATE
For all Maidens
1 | 6 | Stolen Paradise | 60 | 64 | A | M Yeni | Duncan Howells | |
2 | 2 | What A Blast | 60 | 61 | BA | C Zackey | Dennis Bosch | |
3 | 5 | Mana Santana | 60 | 58 | BA | *X Jacobs -4.0 | Garth Puller | |
4 | 8 | Jurist | 60 | 56 | T A | T Godden | Dennis Drier | |
5 | 12 | Duran | 60 | 0 | a | S Moodley | Gary Rich | |
6 | 4 | Persona Grata | 60 | 0 | A | S Brown | Julie Dittmer | |
7 | 1 | Soulja Boy | 60 | 0 | BA | D Dillon | Brett Crawford | |
8 | 3 | Silver Sea | 57 | 72 | A | *L J Ferraris | Tony Nassif | |
9 | 10 | Elite Status | 57 | 0 | BA | *A Arries | Michael Miller | |
10 | 9 | Major Force | 57 | 0 | A | *J Gates -1.5 | Garth Puller | |
11 | 11 | Mighty Smart | 57 | 0 | A | K de Melo | Paul Lafferty | |
12 | 7 | Noble Flight | 57 | 0 | A | *K Sakayi -1.5 | Paul Lafferty | |
Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
(3,10) (11,12) |
June 18th, 2019
He has his second appearance today, over and extra two furlongs which he will relish. See the final field below:
ALL TO COME MAIDEN JUVENILE PLATE
For Maiden 2 year-olds
1 | 10 | Baby Shooz | 60 | 0 | A | A Marcus | Brett Crawford | |
2 | 1 | Declaration Of War | 60 | 0 | A | D Dillon | Doug Campbell | |
3 | 6 | Dutch Alley | 60 | 0 | A | S Randolph | Dean Kannemeyer | |
4 | 13 | Edo Furin | 60 | 0 | A | S Moodley | Paul Lafferty | |
5 | 7 | Filantropo | 60 | 0 | A | *A Arries | Michael Roberts | |
6 | 12 | Gilded Age | 60 | 0 | CA | W Kennedy | Paul Lafferty | |
7 | 3 | Itsprinceofpeace | 60 | 0 | A | T Godden | Yadav Singh | |
8 | 2 | Loosen Your Tie | 60 | 0 | A | M Yeni | Tobie Spies | |
9 | 4 | Mighty Smart | 60 | 0 | A | M Khan | Paul Lafferty | |
10 | 9 | Palace House | 60 | 0 | A | C Zackey | Michael Roberts | |
11 | 8 | Quant Master | 60 | 0 | A | G Wright | R A Hill/S R Hill | |
12 | 5 | Camelots Beauty | 57 | 0 | A | *J Gates -2.5 | Paul Lafferty | |
13 | 11 | Dark Moon Down | 57 | 0 | A | L Hewitson | Paul Lafferty | |
Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
(4,6,9,12,13) (5,10) |
June 5th, 2019
Nice debut by Mighty Smart, for a horse that is bred for 1800m plus he was always going to find the 1000m a touch short. He ended up running a respectable 5th, just 4.65 lengths off the winner. See the replay here.
May 24th, 2019
Mighty Smart has come on in leaps and bounds in the past month, since his barrier and subsequent gelding. We will be nominating him soon for his debut where he should give a good account of himself. Watch this space.
31st March, 2019
As expected, he was very green in his Barrier Trial but kept going to the line. He will benefit immensely from the experience and should strengthen up nicely. See the replay below:
March 2nd, 2019
Update from Paul Lafferty on our Archipenko colt MIGHTY SMART. Watch:
1st February 2019
A short clip of Mighty Smart in the ring this morning. He won’t be a big colt, but he has put on some nice condition and he is turning into a little “bull of a horse”.
31st January 2019
Might Smart (nearest to the camera) – going through the motions, on the Turf for the first time this morning.
11th January 2019
Update from Paul Lafferty on our grey colt Mighty Smart. Watch here:
9th November 2018
An update from the Paul Lafferty Racing Stables:
9th October 2018
Video report update from Paul Lafferty
19th September 2018
Video report update from Paul Lafferty
September 7th 2018
He didn’t have a great start after leaving the sale in April, suffering from travel sickness for almost a month. This is a phenomenon that some horses experience when travelling long distances and the relatively short drive from Johannesburg to Durban seemed to knock the wind right out of his sails.
He spent most of May at the Summerveld Equine vet before being transferred to Far End Farms in Mooi River. Here he seemed to thrive and was soon back to his feisty self.
Having been broken in and progressing nicely, he was one of the first to leave the spelling farm and join up with his trainer (Paul Lafferty) at Summerveld in early August.
He is still baby and has some growing to do, but he has everything in the right place and although he may take a few more months all the signs are there that he will turn into a racy little colt.