ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockeys and horses are coming and going, from California to Kentucky, in this week’s cross-country notebook . . .

When jockey Umberto Rispoli relocates to Kentucky after riding Sunday at Santa Anita. California will lose a top turf jockey – and one of the most assertive. Rispoli, whose strong personality irked some trainers, makes no apologies for expressing opinions after riding a horse in a race or workout.

“Some trainers like it, some don’t like it,” Rispoli said. “Some people think I’m too tough? Or I know more than them? That’s not [true].”

Kenny Peck pick-five play at Keeneland for Friday, April 8, 2022

Yes, it’s way too cold in much of the land, but the 2022 racing season is heating up, if you hadn’t noticed. Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby, a bevy of stakes across the land. The focus here is Gulfstream Park, where weather, unfortunately, could play a key role. It seems uncertain how much rain might fall and when, but more likely than not there will be rain.

Florida Derby

Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook – something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day’s action.

Saturday’s Florida Derby card at Gulfstream features an all-stakes pick five, ending with the Florida Derby in Race 14. The wager, which has a 50-cent minimum, starts with the Sir Shackleton Stakes (approximate post, 4:09 p.m. Eastern).

Trainer: Richard Mandella

Last race: March 25, race 5

Finish: 3rd by 1 1/2

Beyer: 93

Group 3 winner in France, this 5-year-old ran okay in his U.S. debut at a mile on turf. Lagged, rallied outside, shifted in under right-handed whip, lost punch. Sure to improve.

ARCADIA, Calif. – The notebook goes global this week – racing in Dubai, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, and Arizona. Let’s dive in . . .

Country Grammer gets rest

Early favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Classic? He is Dubai World Cup winner Country Grammer. Bob Baffert said Country Grammer would return to Kentucky where WinStar Farm’s Elliott Walden “will go over him and make sure he’s okay.” After a rest, the 5-year-old will ship back to California and prepare for summer.

Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 3:54 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

RACE 3: DOUBLE MAKER (#2) 

Aqueduct | Race 9 | Post Time 5:32 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up