Stevens considering options for spring, summer

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jockey Gary Stevens is riding the Oaklawn meet on a daily basis for the first time after long being based in Southern California, and the move could lead to a change in circuits for the Hall of Famer. He said Tuesday he will make decisions on his future plans based on how things go in Arkansas.

“The potential is there,” Stevens said of changing circuits. “If I had a decent meet here, then that would probably lead me to Keeneland and then to Churchill Downs. But I’m not going to know until we see how things go. It’s important to get off to a good start here, to have a good meet. I would say that if I do have a decent meet that the likelihood of me staying out here on that type of circuit would be highly likely.”

Stevens said he also could ride at Saratoga.

For now, though, he said his focus is Oaklawn. Stevens has been working horses for an array of trainers, including D. Wayne Lukas, Wayne Catalano, Steve Hobby, Ron Moquett, and Tom Van Berg.

“I’ve been on some really nice horses in the morning and am named on some nice ones Friday, so it’s up to me now,” he said.

“I’ve been on more horses the last four days than I have in a month at times at Santa Anita. I feel very rejuvenated right now – even with the long drive out here. I’ve got a little spring in my step right now.”

Stevens has shipped in to Oaklawn for stakes engagements for many years and said his first $500,000 win came in the Arkansas Derby in 1985 with Tank’s Prospect, whom he rode for Lukas.

Stevens is scheduled to travel to Gulfstream Park later this month to ride Giant Expectations in the $16 million Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 27.