Rose to ride 'Alex' in Derby

Jeremy Rose, who rode Afleet Alex to his runaway victory on Saturday in the Arkansas Derby, will retain the mount for the May 7 Kentucky Derby, according to a note posted on the horse's official website, www.afleetalex.com, Tuesday afternoon. The news was confirmed by J.J. Graci, a spokesman for the Cash Is King syndicate, which owns Afleet Alex.

"They're going to dance with the person they went to the dance with," Graci said. "Jeremy's never been beaten more than three-quarters of a length with him. He's been in the Breeders' Cup and in million-dollar races. Instead of putting someone new on the colt at this late stage, go with someone who knows the colt."

Rose has ridden Afleet Alex eight times. They have won six times and been second twice.