Stevens to ride in Kentucky and Saratoga over spring and summer

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens moved his tack from Southern California to base at Oaklawn in January. Rather than returning to California, he will be making another change after the Oaklawn meet ends April 14.

Stevens said Thursday he intends to ride at Keeneland, Churchill Downs, and Saratoga through the spring and summer. He said he last was based at Keeneland in 2005. Next year, it is his intention to return to Oaklawn.

“That’s the plan,” Stevens said.

Stevens is making an impact in his first full season at Oaklawn. He is the meet’s fifth-leading rider in wins through Thursday with 19 from 118 starts, and he ranks fourth in mount earnings with $1,136,267.

Stevens won the Grade 3 Bayakoa last month at Oaklawn with Streamline. He also has racked up a number of allowance or high-end optional-claiming wins with such horses as Bravazo, whom he was to ride Saturday in the Louisiana Derby; Sassy Sienna, a hopeful for the Kentucky Oaks; and older stakes-quality horses Warrior’s Club and Dazzling Gem.

During his time at Oaklawn, Stevens has forged working relationships with a number of Kentucky outfits, including high-percentage trainer Brad Cox. The men have gone 7 for 25 together this meet.

Keeneland opens April 6, and Stevens said he has a few riding engagements there before the meet closes at Oaklawn. But he will be based at Oaklawn through the end of the meet.