Rosario to Ride A Rod in FL Derby

Joel Rosario, who piloted General A Rod (Roman Ruler), to victory in the Gulfstream Park Derby Jan. 1, gets the call again for the Mar. 29 GI Florida Derby. 

“He’s not a complicated horse to ride and Joel has won on him before, so we’re happy to have him,” conditioner Mike Maker said. “We’ve had a lot of success together in the past, and I hope it continues. He’s a top-class rider, and I’m glad we’ve got him.” 

Eclipse winner Javier Castellano was aboard for the bay’s runner-up finish in the GII Fountain Youth, but he is the regular rider for two other Florida Derby possibles Constitution (Tapit) and Honor Code (A.P. Indy). Maker will breeze the colt Saturday morning at Gulfstream with his regular exercise rider aboard. 

“The horse is doing great, and he looks fabulous,” Maker said.