http://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-derby-velazquez-commits-verrazano-rosario-regains-mount-orb

I probably shouldn’t be shocked by this news, but for some reason I am. There is no denying what Angel Cordero says in DRF‘s article – jumping off of an undefeated horse is a near impossible thing to do. If you do, you had better be sure the horse you’re getting on over him is going to end up being a better animal. Johnny V. decides to stick with Pletcher and ride Verrazano, while Shug gets Joel Rosario to get back aboard Orb before he commits to ride for anyone else. As an Orb supporter, my first choice of rider would be Velazquez…but Rosario isn’t far behind him. Interesting food for thought – once Ramon Dominguez got hurt, it was assumed John Velazquez would hop back aboard Animal Kingdom to ride in Dubai. Instead, he chose to stay in Florida and ride Orb in the Florida Derby. As a result, Joel Rosario maintained the mount on Animal Kingdom and rode him to victory in the World Cup. Fast forward to this situation – Velazquez decides to stay with Verrazano, only to have Rosario regain the mount on Orb. Here’s to hoping Joel can continue his already great 2013 and add a Kentucky Derby victory to his Dubai World Cup.