Solis moving to Kentucky

ARCADIA, Calif. - Jockey Alex Solis is relocating to Kentucky this weekend, he said on Saturday.

Solis's final day at Santa Anita was Saturday. He is booked to ride at Keeneland on Sunday.

Solis said the move is likely to be permanent and gives him a chance to try a different circuit. Through Friday, Solis was tied for 12th in the standings at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting with 18 wins from 200 mounts. He has been based in Southern California since relocating from Florida in 1985.

"I've thought about this for a long time," he said. "I'm fortunate to have ridden [in Southern California] for my whole career."

Though discouraged that he has not had more winners this year, Solis said his absence from the top 10 at the current meeting was not the main reason he is relocating.

"I feel like I'm riding good," he said. "I'm being honest with myself."

Solis has ridden occasionally at Keeneland this month, going winless with seven mounts.

"I was pleased with the way people treated me on the backstretch, new faces, new opportunities," he said.

Solis, 46, has won 20 riding titles in his career, and 17 in Southern California. His most recent title came at the 2002 Hollywood Park fall meeting. His biggest career wins include the 1986 Preakness Stakes with Snow Chief, and the 2003 Breeders' Cup Classic and 2004 Dubai World Cup on Pleasantly Perfect.