Churchill: Graham plans to ride at Del Mar
Jimmy Graham said he intends to ride this summer at Del Mar in Southern California, where Brad Pegram has agreed to take his book.
Graham, the leading jockey at the 2014 Arlington and 2014-15 Fair Grounds meets, will be leaving his comfort zone in the Midwest.
“If we take off, that’s great,” said Graham, 36. “If not, well, we’re going to give it our best.”
Pegram is the longtime agent for Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. For years, Graham had worked closely with agent Britt McGehee, a former trainer who has been dealing with a serious illness. Graham currently is represented at Churchill by Frank Bernis.
Youngest Saez starts apprenticeship
Sebastian Saez recorded his fourth career victory here Thursday aboard Bracigliano, meaning the clock was to start on his apprenticeship with his next win. An apprentice is allowed to ride with a weight allowance for exactly one year after his fifth win.
Saez, 16, is following an early career path set by his older brother Juan Saez, who died in a tragic spill last October at Indiana Grand. The younger Saez can be expected to be among the top riders this summer at Ellis Park, where his brother was easily the leading jockey last year. The family is from Panama and includes New York riding standout Luis Saez.
Juan Saez was among the 2014 statistical leaders among North American apprentices prior to his death.
Foster a hard sell
Churchill racing officials said this week they are struggling to come up with runners for the $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap, the traditional post-Kentucky Derby highlight of every spring meet. The Grade 1 Foster is one of four graded stakes set for a Downs After Dark card here June 13.
Todd Pletcher could have the Foster favorite in either Commissioner or Race Day, although Bayern probably would be favored if Bob Baffert chooses to bypass the Met Mile in favor of the Foster. Nominations for all Foster Night stakes were due Saturday. The other races are the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis, Grade 3 Matt Winn, and Grade 3 Regret.