Top jockeys and their agents often face difficult decisions when two horses the jockey has been riding end up pointing to the same race, which takes on added significance when it’s a race with the profile of the Kentucky Derby. This year, though, that decision is further complicated. An unprecedented pandemic has caused tracks, most notably Del Mar and Saratoga, to institute policies whereby if a jockey leaves, he or she can’t come back before the meet ends. Both those meets end on Labor Day, two days after the Derby on Sept. 5, so riders from those locales who go to the Derby would miss out on at least the final three days of those lucrative meets. :: KENTUCKY DERBY 2020: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more In addition, Churchill Downs has yet to release its final protocols regarding jockeys who travel in for the Derby, the resolution of which could force riders to give up even more significant business at their home tracks. A press release on Wednesday from Churchill Downs outlining protocols for fans said updates regarding race participants – jockeys, trainers, grooms, etc. – would “be finalized in the coming days.” This year, with an overwhelming Kentucky Derby favorite in Tiz the Law, and strong supporting players like Art Collector, Honor A. P., and Authentic, many jockeys and their agents will not only try to figure out who to ride, but whether it’s even worth it to go to the Derby. “We’re still contemplating what to do,” agent Ron Anderson said this week of his client Joel Rosario, who has been the regular rider of Derby contenders Max Player and Enforceable. “One thing we have to weigh is – could Joel be leading rider at Saratoga? How many days would he give up if he goes in?” If Rosario goes to Churchill Downs, he would not be allowed back at Saratoga for the final two cards of the meet, in addition to obviously missing out on the Sept. 5 card there. The final three days of that meet include significant stakes like the Woodward, Jim Dandy, Spinaway, and Runhappy Hopeful. Depending on the updated protocols for jockeys, he would be forced to give up significant business on the front end of the Derby, too. Top riders like Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz face similar dilemmas. At Saratoga, Rosario has been aboard many top runners for trainer Steve Asmussen, who on Tuesday had Max Player transferred to his care from Linda Rice. That could play into the decision. But Asmussen also figures to have plenty of potential firepower for Rosario the final days of the Saratoga meet, too. Anderson also represents John Velazquez, who at the moment does not have a confirmed Derby mount, but seems certain to land on a horse who a rider with a conflict has to give up. But Velazquez is going to Churchill Downs regardless, because on Sept. 4 he’ll be riding the expected favorite in the Kentucky Oaks, Gamine. “Absolutely,” Anderson said. “Johnny is going for the filly. If she ends up in Russia, he’s going to ride her.” Velazquez giving up so much business at Saratoga is further mitigated, Anderson said, by him remaining in Kentucky following Derby weekend to ride the lucrative meet at Kentucky Downs, which opens Sept. 7 and has six days of racing through Sept. 16. “Normally, he’d go and then come back here to New York and ride the last two days of Saratoga, but with the rules in New York right now he’ll just stay in Kentucky and then ride Belmont Park’s meet,” Anderson said. An early working document from Churchill Downs regarding when jockeys needed to arrive required them to be in Kentucky by Aug. 24, which would force a rider to give up the final two weeks at Saratoga and Del Mar. That is expected to be tweaked. Still, for a jockey like Manny Franco, who rides Tiz the Law, or Mike Smith, who rides Honor A. P., it’s worth it, whatever the requirements. Perhaps not so much for others. “As of now Mike has to be there by 3 o’clock on Aug. 24,” said Smith’s agent, Brad Pegram. “We’re hearing rumbles that could change. But he’ll go regardless. He’ll miss the final two days of Del Mar, and he’ll just get ready for the fall meet at Santa Anita,” which opens Sept. 19. :: Play Saratoga with DRF! Visit our Saratoga shop for DRF PPs, Picks, Betting Strategies, and Clocker Reports Smith has been riding both Honor A. P. and Authentic. Pegram said as long as there are no unforeseen setbacks with Honor A. P., “that’s where we’ll land.” As a result, Authentic would come open. Velazquez “is on the short list” as a potential replacement for Authentic, said trainer Bob Baffert, who also trains Gamine. Javier Castellano also has been riding two horses in the Derby Watch top 20, Caracaro and Rushie, but is expected to stick with Caracaro if he goes. Like Rosario and Velazquez, he would have to give up the final days of Saratoga if he goes to the Derby. Florent Geroux, based in Kentucky, is in play to pick up mounts for riders who don’t travel. Flavien Prat, last year’s Derby winner, doesn’t have a confirmed mount yet. If he goes, he would be giving up significant business at Del Mar, but could pick up business at Churchill Downs and stay for Kentucky Downs. “We haven’t made a decision yet,” said his agent, Derek Lawson. “It all depends on whether Flavien wants to ride in the Derby.”