Zayas Hopes Busy Derby Week Ends in Triumph

Edgard Zayas has a busy Kentucky Derby (G1) workweek ahead of him.

The Royal Palm Meet’s leading rider is slated to ride Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Churchill Downs, including a mount in the May 2 $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) aboard Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained Early On .

Zayas has ridden once before at Churchill Downs during Derby Week, winning aboard Sharp Azteca in the 2016 Pat Day Mile (G3) on the Derby undercard.

“It was the first time I rode on Derby Day. It was absolutely amazing but nothing probably like what I’ll experience riding Early On in the Kentucky Oaks,” Zayas said. “I’m really excited and looking forward to it.”

Early On, who drew the rail post position for Friday’s 1 1/8-mile Oaks, broke her maiden at Gulfstream Park Feb. 5 before finishing second in both the Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs and Gazelle (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Zayas, who has won numerous riding titles at Gulfstream Park, is coming off a banner Championship Meet, during which he finished fourth behind Irad Ortiz Jr., Tyler Gaffalione, and Luis Saez with 68 trips to the winner’s circle.

The 31-year-old Puerto Rico native, who rode his 2,500th winner last week at Gulfstream, has one mount Tuesday, two on Thursday, two on Friday and two on Derby Day, including Joseph-trained Mystic Lake in the Derby City Distaff (G1) and Joe Orseno-trained Eamonn in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2).

There is also a possibility that he could end up riding Joseph-trained Neoequos in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby (G1), should Baeza draw into the field from the also-eligible list. Flavien Prat, who is named to ride Neoequos, is committed to ride Baeza should he run.

“I’d be in the mix,” Zayas said.

Zayas will share the Derby Week experience in Louisville with his wife Ashley and daughters Lillian and Lilah.

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.