LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Irad Ortiz Jr. had a decision to make.
The five-time Eclipse Award winner for outstanding jockey has been the regular rider for leading Kentucky Derby contenders Renegade, Commandment and Further Ado.
Ortiz had ridden the Brad Cox-trained Commandment in all but one of his career races before the colt's late-running win March 28 in the Florida Derby.
He's also ridden Arkansas Derby winner Renegade in all but one of his career starts, including a pair of impressive wins at age two. And he has been aboard Blue Grass Stakes winner Further Ado in five of the colt's six career races, including all three of his victories.
Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford
On Wednesday, Ortiz made his choice.
David Grening of The Daily Racing Form confirmed on social media that Ortiz will ride Renegade, while Luis Saez gets the mount on Commandment and three-time Derby winner John Velazquez takes the call on Further Ado.
Mike Repole, Renegade's owner, had playfully nudged his rider on social media earlier this week about his decision.
Ortiz has made nine starts in the Kentucky Derby. His best finish was fourth aboard post-time favorite Improbable in 2019.
Saez will ride for Cox for the second time in the Derby. He guided Essential Quality to a third-place finish in 2021.
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