Jockeying for Kentucky Derby Position
We often focus on the horses and trainers who are on the Derby trail. By doing so, we forget about a key component of the winning Kentucky Derby team, the jockey. Personally, I think a great jockey is the key to having success on Derby Day. They can make a good horse great, even if it is for just a day. An enormous field of 20 horses jockeying for position in the shadows of the twin spires. Jockeys have to navigate narrow, nearly impassable lanes, get in position for the first turn, know when to throw the caution and most importantly know when to throw the green. They are the crew chief and driver in one. (Can you tell I’m ready for Daytona?!)
Every year, I am intrigued by the journey of the jockey to the Kentucky Derby. They often times find themselves doing the majority of the “jockeying” before the gate even opens. I can only imagine the joy (and relief) when a jock finds his or her Derby horse. The jockey journey of 2017 has been a fun one so far. Just like the dating game, some guys have that one special girl; other guys have a black book full, while are just hoping for a first date. After all, they are just looking to get a rose…hmm sounds like a good premise for reality show…
Closer Look: The Newbies
Last year’s edition of the Kentucky Derby was an exciting one for me because a number of jockeys rode their first. It is exciting to see young blood excel at the top level of our sport. Among those riders was my boy, Florent Geroux. He finished third aboard Gun Runner after a special relationship was formed during the winter in New Orleans. This year, however, Geroux is yet to find that one true Derby horse. After a couple of poor finishes in prep races, he has a great shot to seal the deal this Saturday aboard Local Hero in the Risen Star. Needless to say, you know who I will be cheering for in that one.
This year, a local hero here in Maryland seems to have found the perfect match aboard El Areeb. Trevor McCarthy has certainly made a name for himself, but has yet to experience the Kentucky Derby starting gate. I am very excited to see where both this horse, and Trevor’s future are headed. Another new addition could be Channing Hill, who has led Uncontested to a favorable spot in the point standings. While the new faces might be limited this year, there is plenty of jockeying left to be down.
Closer Look: The Vets
Last year’s Preakness-winning jockey Kent Desormeaux has been quiet thus far this year. He has a chance to pick up some momentum this weekend aboard Sorry Erik in the Risen Star, but has yet to find that precious Derby horse in 2017. Meanwhile, other veterans find themselves with more horses than they know what to do with. While that is a nice problem to have, they best keep in mind the decision John Velazquez made to ride Verrazano over Orb. Here is a quick recap of those lucky gents:
1. Triple Crown winner Victor Espinoza is no stranger to great horses and this year he finds himself with a couple of opportunities aboard Gormley and Royal Mo.
2. John Velazquez may find himself in another love triangle with mounts aboard Mo Town and One Liner.
3. Mike Smith has become Bob Baffert’s right-hand man this spring and finds himself aboard Derby hopefuls American Anthem and Mastery.
4. Lastly, Joel Rosario may either be laughing or crying when it comes time to pick between Practical Joke and Irish War Cry.
As February turns to March, the storylines will begin to flow like mint juleps on the first Saturday in May. While all the focus may be on the horses and owners, don’t forget about the “dirt traffic controllers” themselves!