Report: Castellano commits to Audible for Kentucky Derby 2018

Jockey Javier Castellano has committed to ride Audible in the 2018 Kentucky Derby, the Daily Racing Form reported Monday, in a move that had effects on contenders based on both coasts.

With the Eclipse Award-winning jockey going on the Todd Pletcher trainee, that in turn opens the mount on Bolt d'Oro, the Grade 1 winner who most recently finished second to Justify in Saturday's Santa Anita Derby.

"I feel like I need to be with Todd," Castellano told DRF.

Mick Ruis, owner and trainer of Bolt d'Oro, has said jockey Victor Espinoza is his backup plan should Castellano ride one of his more loyal conditioners' charges in the Kentucky Derby.

Audible won the Grade 1 Florida Derby with a strong late kick in his last start. That day, John Velazquez rode with Castellano on West Coast overseas in the Dubai World Cup. Velazquez will remain on Grade 2 Wood Memorial winner Vino Rosso in the May 5 Derby.

Velazquez is also the regular rider of Grade 2 Louisiana Derby winner Noble Indy, while Luis Saez is expected to ride Magnum Moon in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby this weekend at Oaklawn Park.

Velazquez and Pletcher teamed to win the 2017 Derby with Always Dreaming.