Saez to Ride J Boys Echo in Kentucky Derby
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Photo: Courtesy of NYRA
Jockey Luis Saez is named to ride J Boys Echo for this year's Kentucky Derby
Luis Saez has been named to ride Gotham Stakes (G3) winner J Boys Echo in the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), the colt's connections confirmed April 26.
Saez inherits the mount from Robby Albarado, who underwent surgery earlier in the week for a lower leg fracture suffered in a spill at Keeneland April 23. Trainer Dale Romans said Monday that Saez was among a handful of riders being considered for the late-blooming son of Mineshaft , but cited the jockey's previous success aboard such charges as multiple grade 1 winner Brody's Cause as a tipping point in the young pilot's direction.
"We had a lot of luck with Luis last year and we hope to have a lot of luck with him again," Romans said.
Albaugh Family Stable, owner of J Boys Echo, also campaigned Brody's Cause, who Saez guided to victory in the 2016 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1).
J Boys Echo provided a salve for Romans and his owner this season after his stablemate, Not This Time , suffered a career-ending injury following his runner-up effort in the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) last November. After running fourth in the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (G3) last November and third in the Feb. 4 Withers Stakes (G3) in his seasonal bow, J Boys Echo launched himself into the classic picture when he captured the March 4 Gotham Stakes (G3) by 3 1/2 lengths.
The bay colt most recently finished fourth in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) April 8. The only other jockey to ride J Boys Echo in his six career starts is Kent Desormeaux, who guided him in the Delta Jackpot.
"Really, what we were looking for was someone that we felt was a strong finisher as a jockey and could really get into the horse and make him finish the way we need to," said Jason Loutsch, general manager of Albaugh Family Stable. "We felt he probably fit the horse as good as anyone."
Saez has had mounts in the Kentucky Derby each of the past four years. His best finish was a seventh-place run aboard Brody's Cause last season.