Stevens Shares Thoughts on BC Classic

On the comeback trail with a newly replaced right knee, Gary Stevens has no mount in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, but, like everyone else with even a glimmer of interest in Saturday’s World Championship event at a mile and a quarter that could determine 2014 Horse of the Year, he has an opinion.

“Bayern,” answered the 51-year-old Hall of Fame jockey when asked which horse he would like to ride, given the chance. “He doesn’t have to be in front. I would ride him just like I rode Beholder last year.”

Beholder relaxed nicely in third while tracking the pace in last year’s $2 million Distaff, then opened a clear lead with a quarter mile to go in the 1 1/8-mile race, and went on to win by 4 ¼ lengths.

Stevens has ridden Bayern four times, winning three, including the Grade II Woody Stephens by 7 1/2 lengths last June 7.

Stevens, who won last year’s Classic by a nose aboard Mucho Macho Man, makes his return to the races Friday aboard trainer Chad Brown’s Irish-bred Sivoliere in the $1.5 million Juvenile Fillies Turf (eighth race). He also rides Bob Baffert’s 3-year-old gelding Day of Fury in the 10th race, a first condition allowance. The Caldwell, Idaho native has one mount on Saturday, Brown’s Bakken in the $1.5 million Xpressbet Sprint (10th race).

Stevens underwent replacement surgery on his knee July 25.

Source: Santa Anita Park