OLD FASHIONED (Unbridled’s Song), who suffered his first defeat in last
Saturday’s Rebel S. (G2), will get a rider switch to Terry Thompson for the
April 11 Arkansas Derby (G2), trainer Larry Jones revealed.
Thompson, currently the leading rider at Oaklawn Park, guided Old Fashioned
in his first two outings as a juvenile. This season, he has been reacquainted
with the gray during training hours in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
“I have been getting on the colt in the mornings working him, and we have
worked well together,” Thompson said. “He is an easy colt to ride, there is
nothing tricky about him.
“The first time I worked this horse, I knew he was a prospect. There is a
presence about him. When I am on Old Fashioned, I have the feeling of being on
something special.”
New York-based jockey Ramon Dominguez picked up the mount for the Remsen S.
(G2) at Aqueduct last November, when Old Fashioned rolled to a 7 1/4-length
score.
Dominguez stayed aboard for the colt’s comfortable tally in the February 16
Southwest S. (G3), followed by his shocking defeat at the hands of Win Willy (Monarchos)
in the Rebel, garnering criticism from some quarters for his ride.
Thompson is looking forward to another victory in the Arkansas Derby, which
he won in 2003 with longshot Sir Cherokee.
“When I rode Sir Cherokee in the Arkansas Derby, he paid $113.00 to win. I
don’t think you will get that kind of return on Old Fashioned,” Thompson said.
“Old Fashioned has a lot of ability, a lot of potential. Another thing I
really like about him is that he learns quickly. You only have to show him one
thing and he remembers it. I’m excited about getting the opportunity to ride Old
Fashioned.”