It’s amazing to see so many great jockeys from all over the country be humbled by one single race. Over their careers, top jockeys win multiple graded stakes races from various race tracks. However, as you will see, the same jockeys just can’t seem to find the same success at the Kentucky Derby.

COREY NAKATANI

We start with Nakatani as this is exactly my point about it being so hard to win the Kentucky Derby. His first trip to Louisville was back in 1991 aboard Green Alligator. He finished 4th that year. Since then, he has ridden 14 more times and his best finish came last year on Nehro. They finished in 2nd place. In 15 attempts, he has just that one top three finish to show for it. Incredible. This year, he will be aboard Sabercat. He won the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes last fall. He is a longshot to win the Derby.

CAREER DERBY STATS

2nd: 1
3rd: 0
4th: 2
5th-10th: 5
11th-20th: 7
Total: 15

MIKE SMITH

Smith is another jockey who has been around for over two decades. His first Derby was in 1990 aboard Thirty Six Red. They ran 9th. It would take until his 11th try to win the Derby. That came in 2005 when Giacomo upset the field at odds of 50-1! That would be his only Kentucky Derby victory from 17 total races. He’s had three runner-up performances on Prairie Bayou in 1993, Proud Citizen in 2002 and Lion Heart in 2004. This year, he has a fantastic opportunity to capture Derby win #2 with Bodemeister. With Rafael Bejarano opting to ride Secret Circle in the Arkansas Derby. It opened the door for Smith to take the mount. He and Bodemeister more than performed well, they complete dominated the field to win by 9 1/4 lengths. He will be one of the favorites in the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

CAREER STATS

Win: 1
2nd: 3
3rd: 1
4th: 0
5th-10th: 5
11th-20th: 7
Total: 17

KENT DESORMEAUX

Kent has been to 17 Derby’s as well, dating back to his first one in 1988 aboard Purdue King. He finished 16th. Desormeaux would notch his first Derby in 1998 with Real Quiet. It would only take two years to duplicate the feat on Fusaichi Pegasus. His last Derby win came in 2008 with Big Brown giving him 3 career Derby wins. One more and that would tie him with the great Bill Shoemaker. One behind Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack. It’s not a stretch for it to happen this upcoming weekend. Dullahan comes into the 138th running off a strong performance in the Blue Grass Stakes. His explosive late move allowed him to catch and pass Hansen in the final 1/16 mile to win. The extra 1/8 mile in the Derby and potential speed dual could set him up perfectly.

CAREER STATS

Win: 3
2nd: 0
3rd: 3
4th: 0
5th-10th: 7
11th-20th: 4
Total: 17

His Derby percentage for finishing in the top 10 is 76.4%.

CALVIN BOREL

You can’t talk about Derby success without bringing up his name. People don’t realize that Calvin first rode in the Derby back in 1993. It wasn’t a successful ride as he finished 17th aboard Rockamundo. He wouldn’t get another ride until 2000 where he finished 12th with Exchange Rate. Over the next few years is where he really became a household name on a National level. He won his first Derby in 2007 on Street Sense, finished 3rd with Denis of Cork in 2008, then back to back wins in 2009 and 2010 on Mine That Bird and Super Saver. It’s one of the best stretches ever by a jockey. This year he comes in on a winning note as Take Charge Indy took the Florida Derby defeating Union Rags in the process. He is the same as Desormeaux. He’s currently tied with Bill Shoemaker and is one win away from being tied with four Derby wins.

CAREER STATS

Win: 3
2nd: 0
3rd: 1
4th: 0
5th-10th: 2
11th-20th: 3
Total: 9

His 33% winning percentage is 4th all-time behind Bill Hartack who won his 5 in just 12 races (41%), Earl Sande was 3 of 8 (37.5%) and Gary Stevens was 3 of 8 (37.5%).

The Kentucky Derby has not been kind to today’s top jockeys such as Ramon Dominguez, John Velasquez, Garrett Gomez and Rafael Bejarano.

RAMON DOMINGUEZ

He’s had 8 attempts and 7 of them have been 9th or worse including two last place results. His one bright spot was in 2006 when Bluegrass Cat finished 2nd to Barbaro, albeit almost 7 lengths behind. The reigning Eclipse Award winner has been out a few weeks already this season due to injury and heads into the Derby coming off a loss with Hansen in the Blue Grass Stakes. Many feel that Hansen (reigning Eclipse Champion himself) will not be able to handle the speed on the front end nor the longer distance of 1 1/4 miles. If history repeats itself for Dominguez, don’t expect a good result.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd: 1
3rd: 0
4th:0
5th-10th: 2
11th-20th: 5
Total: 8

JOHN VELASQUEZ

The rough road at the Derby spanned from 1997 to 2010 for Johnny V. No wins and just one runner-up finish in 12 races. He finished 2nd in 2001 on Invisible Ink. Aside from that, he’s finished outside of the money in every other race. He’s even finished last on three occasions. He finally broke through last year aboard Animal Kingdom at odds of 20-1. Some luck was on his side as he was supposed to ride Uncle Mo, but he was scratched due to stomach virus. Then regular Animal Kingdom jockey Robby Albarado was injured the week before and was unsure if he would be able to ride. If it weren’t for an injury, Animal Kingdom might have been able to compete for the triple crown. Did last year finally turn the table for Velasquez? He comes in with Went the Day Well, owned and trained by the same group (Graham Motion and Team Valor). They even went the same route with the win in the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes.

CAREER STATS

Win: 1
2nd: 1
3rd: 0
4th: 1
5th-10th: 4
11th-20th: 6
Total: 13

RAFAEL BEJARANO

The leading rider multiple times at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar has also been roughed up by the biggest race in the United States. In 7 attempts, he’s never finished in the top 3 and just one 4th coming in 2009 on Papa Clem. The last two year’s he’s finished 18th. This year, his main threat Secret Circle sustained an injury during the running of the Arkansas Derby and will not take part in the Kentucky Derby nor the other triple crown races. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a chance. He picked up the mount aboard Risen Star Stakes winner El Padrino. The Todd Pletcher trained colt finished 4th in the Florida Derby.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-3rd: 0
4th: 1
5th-10th: 3
11th-20th: 3
Total: 7

GARRETT GOMEZ

“Go Go” has been attending the Kentucky Derby since 1994 although he had an 11 year hiatus from 1995 to 2006. His first ride was on Southern Rhythm in 1994 and they finished 7th. He’s been at every Derby since returning to racing in 2006. Although the results have not been good. His best performance was in 2009 when Pioneerof the Nile finished 2nd. All others were off the board efforts. This year, he picks up the mount on Daddy Nose Best with the departure of Mike Smith to Bodemeister. Daddy Nose Best has won back to back stakes including the Sunland Derby.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd: 1
3rd-4th: 0
5th-10th: 4
11th-20th: 3
Total: 8

JAVIER CASTELLANO

He’s been a fixture atop or near the top of New York and Florida jockey standings for a few years now, but again, the Derby has not been a kind race. He’s been there for 4 of the last 5 years, missing only 2009. His best finish was 13th on two occasions (Derby Kitten 2011 and Discreetly Mine 2010). His other two races were even worse. You would think his chances are much better this year aboard undefeated Gemologist. Recently coming off the Wood Memorial win, the Todd Pletcher trained colt has won all all five career races.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-12th: 0
13th: 2
14th-20th: 2
Total: 4

JULIEN LEPAROUX

His career started in 2005, by setting a Saratoga apprentice record with 28 wins during the meet. In 2006, it officially became his coming out party. He led all U.S. jockeys with 403 wins and took home the Eclipse Award for leading Apprentice Jockey. Since then, he has won titles at Turfway Park, Keeneland and Churchill Downs while winning the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2009. As the same with his counterparts though, the Derby is a race that has eluded him so far. In 5 tries, his best finish was 5th in 2007 aboard Sedgefield. Since then, nothing better than 8th place (Dialed In 2011). This year, many expect he could win with Union Rags. The multiple graded stakes winner has won 3 of 5 career races, but comes off a performance that keep people thinking he’s not ready to capture the Derby. Which horse will show up? The horse that easily won the Three Chimney’s, Champagne and Fountain of Youth or the horse who was all over the track in defeat to Hansen at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and couldn’t seem to get going until late in the Florida Derby. If he can put it altogether this Saturday, he should win giving Leparoux his first Derby victory.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-4th: 0
5th: 1
8th: 1
9th-20th: 3
Total: 5

WILLIE MARTINEZ

A veteran jockey who doesn’t get the attention that other jockeys receive, but this is his 5th trip to the Kentucky Derby. His first was in 1994 on Mahogany Hall where they finished 9th. His best result came in 2010 when Noble’s Promise finished 5th. His mount on Trinniberg will be an interesting one as this colt has won multiple graded stakes races but nothing further than a mile. His trainer has even said if we get the lead, we will see what happens after that. It would be remarkable if this colt could pull it off, but it would be next to impossible considering all the potential speed in this race. Good luck Willie!

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-4th: 0
5th: 1
9th-20th: 3
Total: 4

JOEL ROSARIO

Part of the new crop of jockeys hasn’t been too bad in his two starts so far in Louisville. He’s taken part in the last two races and finished 4th in 2010 on Make Music for Me and 7th aboard Brilliant Speed last year. This year, he comes in on Creative Cause, the gray Mike Harrington trained colt who has also won multiple graded stakes as a two and three year old. He defeated Bodemeister in the San Felipe Stakes in March, then lost by a nose to I’ll Have Another in the Santa Anita Derby. Rosario has an opportunity to not just improve on his two previous races, but has a strong chance at winning.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-3rd: 0
4th: 1
5th-7th: 1
Total: 2

JOSE LEZCANO

Just three trips to the Kentucky Derby, but has a 2nd place finish so far. That came with Ice Box in 2010. This year, he comes in on a horse who has yet to win a stakes race, but has finished 2nd twice. Rousing Sermon could come up with his biggest race to date as 1 1/4 miles seems to be what he has waited for. A come from behind late runner who has run out of room each and every race, yet still hits the board. Lezcano gets the nod for this Jerry Hollendorfer trained colt as Mike Smith took the mount with Bodemeister. Lezcano has been in the New York tracks top 10 standings each year since 2005.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd: 1
3rd-7th: 0
8th: 1
12th: 1
Total: 3

ALAN GARCIA

Another New York jockey who has been among the top jockeys since 2003. His best year’s were from 2007 to 2009 where each year he accumulated 200+ wins and generated over $10,000,000 in purse money. This will be Garcia’s 4th trip to the Derby. The first three were decent, but nothing to write home about. This year, he picks up a mount that he had earlier. Alpha, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, was ridden by Garcia in his maiden debut win and the runner-up effort to Union Rags in the Champagne Stakes. Since then, there was a switch to Gomez for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and to Ramon Dominguez for all three starts in 2012 including the Grade 3 Withers win. With Dominguez sticking with Hansen, Garcia has been given the ride once again.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-4th: 0
8th: 2
11th: 1
Total: 3

ROSIE NAPRAVNIK

Has only been riding since 2005. Her career took off in 2006 as she won titles at Pimlico and Laurel Park. Later in the year, she was runner-up to Leparoux for Apprentice of the Year honors. She won the titles at Fairgrounds Race Course and Delaware Park in 2011. She finished 9th last year in the Derby aboard Pants on Fire. The best ever performance by a female jockey. This year, she will be aboard Mark Valeski. He is another colt who hasn’t won a stakes race yet, but certainly not for lack of trying. He lost by a nose to El Padrino in the Risen Star Stakes, then most recently 2nd in the Louisiana Derby.

CAREER STATS

9th: 1

MARIO GUTIERREZ

The next four jockeys will all be making their first appearance in the Kentucky Derby. Gutierrez is making Southern California home this year after spending a few seasons as the leading jockey at Hastings Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. He’s making the most of it as he seems to have found a nice spot with the Doug O’Neill barn. Gutierrez was aboard I’ll Have Another when they shocked the field in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at odds of 43/1. He made sure everyone knew it wasn’t a fluke by taking out Creative Cause in the Santa Anita Derby. These were the first graded stakes wins south of the border for the young jockey. He won the Grade 3 Ballerina at Hastings back in 2009. I’ll Have Another has a legitimate shot at winning the Derby. That would be quite impressive if both jockey and horse win three straight stakes including the Derby for the first time.

SHELDON RUSSELL

Russell currently spends his time at Pimlico (won last year’s title), but has also ridden at various tracks across the Eastern states including Colonial Downs. Last year was his best year amassing 195 wins and totaling over $4,000,000 in purse earnings. His mount is Illinois Derby winner Done Talking. He won’t get much attention as the Illinois Derby isn’t considered a top prep race. However, he does have the perfect running style for the Derby. If he can possess the same late come from behind kick from the Illinois Derby, you just never know what could happen. The Derby has produced its fair share of long shot winners.

LUIS CONTRERAS

His first full year was in 2007 where he had 123 wins. Last year, was his best to date as he was leading rider at Woodbine in Toronto, Ontario with 220 wins and $12,307,455 in purse money. He and trainer Mark Casse (leading trainer at Woodbine) have won several graded stakes together including the colt Prospective. The Malibu Moon colt won the Grade 3 Grey Stakes at Woodbine last year, Paco Stakes and Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby this year. He comes into the Derby finishing 6th in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. If Contreras can keep him out of trouble, he might be a horse to surprise the field.

COLM O’DONAGHUE

The European based jockey gets his first trip to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby aboard Daddy Long Legs. He is no stranger to Churchill Downs as he’s been here a few times for the Breeders’ Cup. Out of the three wins for this Aidan O’Brien trained colt, he’s ridden him twice to victory. One in the Group 2 Juddmonete Royal Lodge Stakes and most recently the U.A.E Derby in Dubai. Daddy Long Legs raced at Churchill Downs in the BC Juvenile, but finished 12th.

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