Espinoza Commits to Whitmore for Derby
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Photo: Coady Photography
Whitmore at Oaklawn Park
Victor Espinoza has committed to ride Whitmore in the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), co-owner Harry Rosenblum said April 20.
Espinoza won the Derby last year with American Pharoah and the year before with California Chrome .
Whitmore, a Pleasantly Perfect colt trained by Ron Moquett, finished third in the Arkansas Derby (gr. I), second in the Rebel Stakes (gr. II), and second in the Southwest Stakes (gr. III), all at Oaklawn Park. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode him in his last two starts.
"We were informed that Irad Ortiz Jr. felt a commitment to (trainer) Chad Brown and will ride My Man Sam in the Derby," Rosenblum said. "We had three riders under discussion, including Victor Espinoza, and (Espinoza's agent) Brian Beach expressed an interest in riding Whitmore. I had a good conversation with Victor and asked him, 'Can you make it three in a row?' He said he wanted to win his fourth Derby.
"Victor has ridden all over the world and has ice water in his veins. He doesn't get shook up. I was impressed how articulate and smart he was, and he has shown he's a very versatile rider."
Espinoza also won the Derby aboard War Emblem in 2002. Whitmore is 15th in the points standings for the Derby at Churchill Downs.