Top 3 Racehorse Jockey Seeking For Their First Kentucky Derby Win in 2020

Finally, after a four-month delay, the 2020 Kentucky Derby will run on September 5 at Churchill Downs, New York, as the second leg of the Triple Crown after being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby will continue without any spectators on the racetracks, and all essential personnel will undergo testing and follow rigorous safety protocols. Despite this, the 146th Run For the Roses will still uphold what it always is annually: the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby will anchor a Saturday racecard with six other graded stakes. It will be broadcasted live on NBC from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET.

As the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby continues to have historical first-times to look forward to, so as the top race jockey contenders who are seeking their first opportunity of a lifetime at Kentucky Derby glory. Let’s take a look at these riders that will most likely pick up their first Kentucky Derby victory this year.

Manny Franco

Horse: Tiz the Law

Manny Franco got his jockey’s license in 2013 and earned his first career graded stakes win on Coffee Clique in the Grade 3 Dr James Penny Memorial Handicap in 2015.

Many doubted Franco as a jockey for Tiz the Law after their troubled win during the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park last February 2020. But Barclay Tagg believed in his rider, and it was his best decision since.

Both clearly showed a special connection after dominating four Kentucky Derby races, including the Belmont Stakes and Runhappy Travers Stakes. This young jockey was able to handle the pressure of competing in these historic races with grace and gratitude.

They immediately became the favourite for the Kentucky Derby, as they checked every conceivable box as a top Derby contender. Franco was able to gear Tiz the Law on every derby prep and keep his elite form through subsequent workouts.

Despite any expected struggle, Franco can still get Tiz in a top position just like during the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. They finished third by three-quarters of a length despite the sloppy track, struggling to get the mount in a good position through the backstretch.

Plenty of eyes are checking Franco for the 2020 Kentucky Derby jockey betting odds. There are high hopes for him to continue on a quest for his Derby win after finishing 18th during his previous attempt last year with Spinoff.

Brian Hernandez, Jr.

Horse: Art Collector

Brian Hernandez Jr. began his professional jockey career in 2003. He has won more than 2,000 races in his career, but he still doesn’t have a Kentucky Derby win after two tries. However, his previous race experiences will surely come to play this Saturday.

His first Keeneland victory came during the 2004 Fall Meet after winning 20 races. He became the season’s second-leading rider at that time. He also won the 2006 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine on Swingit.

In 2004, Hernandez Jr. won the Eclipse Award as outstanding apprentice jockey after 243 victories. He also snagged the stakes at Fair Grounds, Remington Park, Churchill Downs, Delta Downs in the same year.

He also rode the Hall of Famer, Rachel Alexandra, in her first five races as a 2-year-old in 2008 and won two wins with her in 2009.

During his 27th birthday in 2012, he won his most significant race, the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park while riding Fort Larned. His North American career earnings exceed $84 million, with 2,069 wins through August 10 this year.

Hernandez Jr. is now riding Art Collector. The colt’s tactical speed and ability took a win at the Toyota Blue Grass G2 and Ellis Park Derby. Together, there’s no doubt that they have a chance at the Kentucky Derby.

Florent Geroux

Horse: Thousand Words

Florent Geroux has earned over 1,000 victories in horse racing and is widely considered as one of the top riders in the sport. But, Geroux has yet to be a Derby winner.

Geroux’s first career win was in 2004 Longchamp on Chopyluz in France. He also won the Pucker at Arlington Park and the Leemat Stakes at Zoeling in 2010. He got his first Grade 1 win during the Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita in 2014.

In 2016, he got his best derby chance with the immensely skilful Gun Runner. However, they only managed to get the third-place finish. He also rode Bob Baffert’s Roadster, who seemed to give a good shot in last year’s Kentucky Derby but finished 15th.

These previous Kentucky Derby experiences will come handy as he teams up with Baffert again on Thousand Words, who is coming off of his best race yet with a win over Honor A. P. Together, they are putting the right mix and an excellent chance for the Run for the Roses.

Takeaway

The outstanding thoroughbreds are mostly the star of every derby race, but the one riding them will play a significant role in snatching that trophy. These horse jockeys are seeking their first Kentucky Derby win, and their eagerness will surely bring the excitement to both experts and fans.