Edgar Prado rode Barbaro to victory at the 2006 Kentucky Derby

Jockey Edgar Prado has chosen to ride Adriano (14/1) on May 3 at the Kentucky Derby. His winning the Lane’s End Grade II Stakes at Turfway Park on March 22 atop Adriano may have something to do with his decision, but more recently Adriano’s workout at Churchill Downs this week may have been the bigger reason. Seems trainer Graham Motion felt it was important to first give Adriano a good run at the Derby track, with Edgar on board.

“One of the reasons I worked Adriano at Churchill Downs this week was to let Edgar get a feel for him on the track and see what he thought. It was as much for his benefit as for mine. He wanted to see for himself before he made his decision, and I wanted to see for myself before I made my decision. I was tickled when he turned into the stretch and he showed that extraordinary stride when Edgar asked him. I let him do as he pleased, sort of like taking out a new car for a spin. He let him roll the last part, and I clocked him in :11 and change for the final eighth. When Edgar asked him he really took off from his workmate, who is a very useful stakes winner.”

Many will remember that it was Prado who rode Barbaro to victory on May 6, 2006 at the 132nd Kentucky Derby.