April, 2023 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Let The Game Of Musical Jockeys Begin: Prat Confirmed To Ride Angel Of Empire In Kentucky Derby

Flavien Prat plans to pilot G1 Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire in this year's Kentucky Derby, according to a report from Thoroughbred Daily News on April 12.

Brad Cox, trainer of Angel of Empire, confirmed that Prat's agent Brad Pegram has assured Cox the rider will be aboard on the first Saturday in May.

Prat had also ridden Todd Pletcher-trained G2 Louisiana Derby winner Kingsbarns, setting up a dilemma as to which one he'd be on.

The last weeks before the Derby are often a time of major decisions for top riders who may have been aboard multiple horses in their last pre-Derby outings.

Previous riders for Kingsbarns have included Luis Saez and Antonio Gallardo.

If he enters the gates this year, it will be Prat's sixth Kentucky Derby. He finished third last year aboard Zandon and second the year before with Hot Rod Charlie. Prat and Country House were named the winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby after the disqualification of Maximum Security.

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Prat Chooses Angel of Empire as His Derby Mount

It was likely a difficult decision, but Flavien Prat has chosen to ride GI Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire (Classic Empire) over GII Louisiana Derby winner Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo) in this year's GI Kentucky Derby.

The news was confirmed by trainer Brad Cox, who said he has received assurances from Prat and his agent Brad Pegram that the French-born riding star will be aboard Angel of Empire in the Derby.

“Yes, Prat will ride Angel of Empire in the Derby,” Cox said via text. “We're excited that Flavien is sticking with Angel of Empire. If we can duplicate his run in the Arkansas Derby, we believe that it would be an effort that would make him very competitive in the Kentucky Derby. We're looking forward to May 6.”

After Cox used four different jockeys in Angel of Empire's first five races, he landed on Prat for the Apr. 1 Arkansas Derby and the result was a 4 1/4-length win. The Pennsylvania-bred could be the second choice in the Derby behind Forte (Violence).

Prat will also ride likely GI Kentucky Oaks favorite Wet Paint (Blame) for Cox.

Kingsbarns, who is trained by Todd Pletcher, is undefeated in three starts. After using Luis Saez and Antonio Gallardo, Pletcher went to Prat for the Louisiana Derby and the result was a 3 1/2-length front-running win.

Reached by text, Pletcher said he has yet to secure a rider for Kingsbarns, but several top jockeys should be available.