It's on to the Kentucky Derby for jockey Ramon A. Vazquez and Practical Move after prevailing in a thrilling renewal of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday. The panel of racing experts voted Vazquez the honor of Jockey of the Week for April 3 through April 9. The award recognizes jockeys for riding accomplishments and who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1,050 active, retired, and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.
Riding for trainer Tim Yakteen in the G1 Santa Anita Derby, Vazquez was aboard Practical Move for the third straight time after piloting the 3-year-old colt to victories in the G2 Los Alamitos Futurity and the G2 San Felipe. Off as the even-money favorite in the field of eight, Practical Move broke seventh but quickly moved up to fourth behind pace-setter longshot One in Vermillion. As the leaders faded, Practical Move took command at the top of the stretch. Japanese invader, Mandarin Hero and Skinner, however, were not about to let the favorite get away and the trio raced together down the stretch to the wire with Practical Move digging in and never giving up the lead to prevail over Mandarin Hero by the slimmest of margins in 1:48.69 for the mile and one-eighth.
“I had to use him early,” Vazquez said. “My perfect time to move a horse is the last quarter. The other horse (Mandarin Hero) is a nice horse, too, and ran really well. I'm feeling amazing. When you ride a good horse like that, that's your dream always to go to the Kentucky Derby.”
This will be Vazquez's second mount in the Run for Roses after finishing 13th aboard Mr. Z in 2015.
Vazquez was not done for the day as he was aboard Elm Drive for Santa Anita's leading trainer Phil D'Amato in the Monrovia Stakes which was transferred from the downhill turf course to the dirt track. Elm Drive raced on the rail, dueling with Leggs Galore on the turn to take the lead and win in 1:15.56 for six and one-half furlongs.
“Thank you to the owners and the trainer for the opportunity,” said Vazquez. “I was just comfortable and got a perfect trip.”
Vazquez, 39, is a native of Puerto Rico and moved his tack to southern California in April 2022 after riding very successfully in the mid-west including Oaklawn, Remington and Prairie Meadows.
Other contenders for Jockey of the Week included Juan J. Hernandez who won the leading rider title at Santa Anita, Paco Lopez with the upset win in the Wood Memorial, Luis Saez who won the Bluegrass Stakes and Jevian Toledo who won his first career Grade I race in the Carter Handicap.
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