When it comes to placing bets on horses follow this 2020 Kentucky Derby betting guide. One of the best ways to figure out a potential winner of the Kentucky Derby is to look at who is riding the horse. For most jockeys, it’s an honor to even be able to ride in the Kentucky Derby. Horse racing fans say that a jockey may not be able to win you the race but he can certainly lose the race. Being a jockey requires you to be able to make split second decisions. It’s one of the most underrated jobs in sports. Let’s take a look at some jockeys to watch during this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Mike Smith
Horse racing fans know him as “Big Money Mike” while casual fans know him as the jockey of Justify and Zenyatta. Mike Smith is a living legend and whenever he gets a mount in the Kentucky Derby, he is always a threat to win the race.
Free 2020 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide Picks
At this time, it is not clear who Mike Smith will be riding in the Derby. Last year, he was expected to ride Omaha Beach before he unexpectedly scratched a few days before the race. As a result, he ended up riding Cutting Humor. Whoever Mike Smith rides this year is sure to be a threat to win.
Joel Rosario
If you are looking for a rider who has won big races at Churchill Downs, look no further than Joel Rosario. Nost notably, he piloted Accelerate to the Breeders’ Cup Classic win at Churchill Downs in 2018. Rosario is generally regarded as a rider that comes from behind and swoops around all of his competitors in the far turn. His skill for preserving his horse’s energy combined with knowing when to ask his horse to go is the key to his success. Like Mike Smith, whoever Joel Rosario is riding is sure to be a contender on the first Saturday in September.