Jockey puzzle pieces fall into place for Kentucky Derby 2023

José Ortiz was confirmed for undefeated Kingsbarns, and Gerardo Corrales was named to ride long shot Raise Cain, completing the jockey lineup for Saturday’s running of Kentucky Derby 2023.

Spendthrift Farm general manager Ned Toffey confirmed the Kingsbarns decision in a text message Monday morning to Horse Racing Nation. Trainer Ben Colebrook did the same after making his call for Raise Cain.

Ortiz worked Kingsbarns on Saturday at Churchill Downs for trainer Todd Pletcher, who said at the time he was leaning toward keeping them together this weekend. Ortiz will be the Uncle Mo colt’s fourth different jockey in as many races. Luis Sáez rode Kingsbarns' winning debut in January at Gulfstream Park. Antonio Gallardo was in the irons for an allowance victory in February at Tampa Bay Downs. Flavien Prat was on for the March 25 triumph in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Corrales rode Raise Cain’s first three races, including a maiden breaker second out in October at Keeneland. Luan Machado, José Lezcano and Joel Rosario had been paired with Raise Cain since. Machado piloted second- and fifth-place stakes finishes in early Derby preps. Lezcano took the Violence colt to a muddy win March 4 in the Gotham at Aqueduct. Rosario was on for last month’s fifth-place result in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland.

The Derby draw will be part of a 2-3 p.m. EDT program Monday in the Aristides Room at Churchill Downs. The show will be streamed on the track’s social-media platforms.