Winning jockey Mike Smith compared Artie Schiller colt Mr. Commons with champion miler Lure after the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar on Wednesday.

Mr. Commons (3c Artie Schiller – Joustabout by Apalachee) started a short-priced favourite for the 65th edition of the Oceanside and he swooped past the leaders at the top of the straight to score by over a length.  He clocked 1.34.96s for 1600m.

Smith settled Mr. Commons in the second half of the field as Robbie’s War blazed the first half-mile in 47.68s.  They circled the field four-wide on the home turn and drew away for a deceptively easily victory.  

Smith, who also rode legendary mare Zenyatta, was aboard Lure when the Danzig colt won the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Gulfstream Park in 1992 and at Santa Anita in 1993.

Mr. Commons is by Independent Stallion shutter Artie Schiller who won the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2005 at Belmont Park.

The John Shirreffs trained colt is unbeaten in two starts on turf after winning his maiden at Santa Anita.  He was switched to dirt earlier this year and was placed in the G1 Santa Anita Derby before failing in the G1 Preakness Stakes.

“We had to try the Triple Crown,” Shirreffs said. “He’s a very versatile horse.  He can run well on dirt but he’s outstanding on turf.  It made sense to get him back on something we know he likes.”

Shirreffs will speak with St. George Farm owner Ian Banwell before deciding on the colt’s next assignment.  The options include the G2 La Jolla Handicap on August 13 or the G2 Del Mar Derby on September 4.

Artie Schiller will return from Paul’s Mill Stud in Kentucky to Independent Stallions this year after a southern season break in 2010.  He has sired 7 individual winners from his first Super VOBIS crop and studmaster Mike Becker reports he will cover a full book this spring.  

Artie Schiller (El Prado) will stand for a $13,200 service fee.