Santana to ride Tapiture if horse goes in Kentucky Derby

Ricardo Santana Jr. will have the mount on Tapiture if he runs in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Steve Asmussen said Tuesday.

Asmussen said he wants to see how Tapiture trains in the next two weeks before committing to the race but added that if Tapiture runs, Santana rides.

"He was fourth on Saturday," Asmussen said, referring to the Arkansas Derby, "which was disappointing. He arrived safely at Churchill Downs, is scheduled to gallop tomorrow, and is scheduled to breeze on Monday."

Santana rode Tapiture to victories in last year’s Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs and this year’s Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn. After a second-place finish in the Rebel Stakes, Santana was replaced by Joel Rosario for the Arkansas Derby.

Rosario on Tuesday chose to ride General a Rod in the Derby.