Breeders’ Cup Photo ©
According to the Oaklawn Barn Notes for February 21st, the top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. has accepted the mount on Whitmore for both the March 19th Rebel Stakes (gr. II) and the April 16th Arkansas Derby (gr. I) at Oaklawn Park.
In his first four races, the son of Pleasantly Perfect has been ridden by three different jockeys, including Mike Smith and Didiel Osario. However, trainer Ron Moquett decided to switch to Ortiz while seeking a two-race riding commitment.
“I like Irad and Smith, but what I wanted was a two-race commitment,” Moquett was quoted as saying. “If we run well in the Rebel, we’ll have him for the Arkansas Derby.”
“He’s the nation’s leading rider,” Moquett added. “I’m tickled to death to have him.”
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