Velazquez to ride Midnight Bisou in Breeders' Cup Distaff

John Velazquez has picked up the mount on Cotillion winner Midnight Bisou for the Breeders' Cup Distaff on Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs, Jeff Bloom, whose Bloom Racing Stable co-owns Midnight Bisou in a partnership, said Sunday morning.

Mike Smith has been the regular rider for Midnight Bisou, but he is also the regular rider for Abel Tasman, 4, who is also pointing to the Distaff. After Abel Tasman worked strongly Friday morning at Santa Anita, Smith and his agent, Brad Pegram, informed Bloom that they would, as expected, remain with Abel Tasman for the Distaff.

"We were waiting on Mike, but after they made their decision we have gone ahead and secured Johnny Velazquez," Bloom said.

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Midnight Bisou, 3, is based at Churchill Downs with trainer Steve Asmussen. In her only work since the Sept. 22 Cotillion, she went five furlongs on Oct. 8 in 1:01.60. She is scheduled for her next work on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the weather in Louisville, Bloom said.

"As good as she is, she seems to be doing better. I got goosebumps from her last work," Bloom said. "The timing from the Cotillion to the Breeders' Cup should help. And we're thinking it will be an advantage to walk out of her stall at Churchill and run."

Midnight Bisou has won five times in eight starts this year. She was third in the Kentucky Oaks earlier this year after getting shuffled back early before closing. In 10 lifetime starts, she has never finished worse than third.

Bloom said Midnight Bisou is scheduled to remain in training next year at age 4.