Vazquez Plots Spring Move to Kentucky, New York

Coinciding with an ascent in his riding career, Ramon Vazquez is about to make a career change, his agent Bill Castle said the morning of March 3.

A post-Oaklawn Park fixture in recent years at Prairie Meadows, Lone Star Park, and Remington Park, Vazquez is "leaning towards" moving his tack to Kentucky and New York after the 2021-22 meeting ends May 8, Castle said.

"At the moment, I would say 99% that's the direction to some degree," Castle said. "Ramon will be in Kentucky and go to New York and probably get into New York early. I really truly hope that people will give him an opportunity and support and that will absolutely make a decision whether Kentucky is a good fit."

A 38-year-old native of Puerto Rico, Vazquez has gained attention the past two seasons with stakes wins aboard marathon dirt specialist Lone Rock  and a 75-1 upset in the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) Feb. 26 aboard one-eyed Un Ojo .

"I think that taking him into a little bit of Kentucky and then back into New York would be a wise move for him," said Castle.

Vazquez entered racing March 4 with 25 victories to rank fourth in the 2021-22 Oaklawn standings. Vazquez also won the inaugural $200,000 Tinsel Stakes Dec. 18 aboard Lone Rock and the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) for older fillies and mares Feb. 12 aboard Miss Bigly .