4/20/09
Last updated: 4/19/09 7:23 PM
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Gomez and Pioneerof the Nile will team up in the Derby
(Benoit Photos) |
Dual Eclipse Award-winning rider Garrett Gomez had chosen to ride PIONEEROF
THE NILE (Empire Maker) in the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs. The
decision was announced Sunday, one day after Gomez piloted ADVICE (Chapel Royal)
to victory in the Lexington S. (G2) at Keeneland.
Gomez had a choice between Pioneerof the Nile and DUNKIRK (Unbridled’s Song),
a choice that was not easy for him or his agent, Ron Anderson. The 37-year-old
rider has ridden Pioneerof the Nile in his past four races, scoring wins in the
CashCall Futurity (G1), Robert B. Lewis S. (G2), San Felipe S. (G2) and Santa
Anita Derby (G1).
He’s teamed up with Dunkirk in his past two tries, guiding the gray to a 4
3/4-length victory in an allowance/optional claimer and a runner-up effort
behind QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) in the Florida Derby (G1).
Gomez has yet to add a Kentucky Derby win to his impressive list of races
won. He finished seventh in the 1994 edition aboard Southern Rhythm, 13th with
Dazzling Falls in 1995, 17th on Bob and John in the 2006 running, eighth riding
Any Given Saturday in 2007 and 13th when holding the reins on Court Vision in
2008.
With Gomez taking the mount on Pioneerof the Nile, Edgar Prado has now been
named to ride Dunkirk in the Derby.
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Prado was aboard for Dunkirk’s 5 3/4-length, debut maiden win at Gulfstream
Park on January 24, and is no stranger to the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle. He
captured the 2006 running with the ill-fated Barbaro and rose to national
prominence following the colt’s breakdown in the Preakness S. (G1), visiting
Barbaro at the New Bolton Center while the sophomore was recuperating from his
injuries.
