Rocco Excited About Breeders' Cup Distaff

Jockey Joe Rocco Jr. has ridden in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships previously at Santa Anita, but he is far from a novice when it comes to riding at the picturesque Southern California track.

“I did the Seabiscuit movie out there,” Rocco said of the 2003 film. “I was on the track a lot, but I did not ride any races.”

Rocco will get his chance to ride again at Santa Anita when he partners with Juddmonte Spinster (G1) winner Don’t Tell Sophia in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) on Oct. 31.

“She’s a nice mare,” Rocco said of the Phil Sims-trained 6-year-old who gave him his first Grade 1 victory at Keeneland. “I feel like I have a little more horse this time (for the Breeders’ Cup).”

In the 2009 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita, Rocco rode Ms Vanenzza to a ninth-place finish behind She Be Wild in the Juvenile Fillies (G1).

Rocco has ridden Don’t Tell Sophia four times, winning three of those with the other victories coming in the 2013 Chilukki (G2) and September’s Locust Grove at Churchill Downs.

“I’m not sure when I am going out there yet,” Rocco said about his upcoming return trip to Santa Anita. “I’d like to go on Wednesday, but it depends on whether I get to ride some races Wednesday or Thursday.”

Source: Keeneland