Garcia wintering at Oaklawn for first time

Jockey Alan Garcia, who won the Belmont Stakes in 2008 with Da’ Tara, said this will be the first time he has wintered at Oaklawn. There were several reasons to test the new market, said the rider, currently based at Woodbine.

“I have some people who are giving me an opportunity to ride for them,” he said.

Garcia said another reason is because of how well the Oaklawn season dovetails with Woodbine, where he will continue to ride through the end of the meet, Dec. 10. Garcia is the ninth-leading rider at Woodbine.

“The timing is perfect,” said Garcia, 33. “There’s time to get a little break.”

Garcia said that after Woodbine closes he plans to go on vacation with his family and then will work horses at Oaklawn around Jan. 2-3. The meet opens Jan. 12.

Garcia said Donnie Richardson will represent him at Oaklawn.

Aside from the Belmont Stakes, other major wins for Garcia include the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf in 2007 with Lahudood, the Metropolitan Handicap in 2008 with Divine Park, and the Donn Handicap in 2009 with Albertus Maximus. He’s won 1,658 races in North America, with mount earnings of more than $87 million.

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