Espinoza, Skinner in waiting game for Kentucky Derby berth

Hall of Fame jockey Victor Espinoza is one of two riders to win the Kentucky Derby twice in the last decade. A chance for a third win for Espinoza at Churchill Downs on May 6 hinges on a measure of luck days before the runners reach the starting gate.

Espinoza is set to ride Skinner, the third-place finisher in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 8, provided the colt can gain a berth in the 20-runner field.

As of Sunday, Skinner was 21st on the list of candidates following the announcement that Blazing Sevens, third in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 8, will be pointed to the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 20. Skinner, who races for Lee and Susan Searing’s CRK Stable and trainer John Shirreffs, needs one more defection to gain a spot in the field.

“It’s not fun to just wait,” Espinoza said on Sunday. “We still have a shot.”

Earlier in the morning, Espinoza was aboard Skinner for a six-furlong workout in 1:13.40 at Santa Anita, the colt’s second workout since the Santa Anita Derby. Skinner worked a half-mile in 48 seconds on April 17.

Espinoza won the Kentucky Derby in 2014 with California Chrome and the following year with American Pharoah, who swept the Triple Crown. John Velazquez has also won the Kentucky Derby twice in the last decade.

Espinoza, 50, has had three subsequent mounts in the Kentucky Derby since American Pharoah’s win, but has not ridden in the race since Bolt d’Oro finished 12th in 2018.

Espinoza has ridden Skinner in five of his six career starts, including a win in a maiden race at a mile in February and a third by 3 3/4 lengths in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 4.

In the Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles, Skinner closed from seventh in a field of eight to finish a half-length behind Practical Move, one of the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby.

Espinoza said he was encouraged by the manner in which Skinner finished his workout on Sunday.

“He galloped out nicely,” Espinoza said. “He’s getting better and better.

“Each work he has improved and I like that, especially with a 3-year-old. I think he has a lot of potential. I’m excited with the way he’s going day by day.”

Entries for the Kentucky Derby will be taken on May 1. Until then, Espinoza, the Searings and Shirreffs are waiting and watching race developments.

“I’m crossing my fingers,” Espinoza said. “I believe he can run a big race.”

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