Ruben Munoz, agent for jockey Gabriel Saez, will also handle the book for leading rider John Velazquez at the Keeneland meet that begins April 3.
Munoz was approached to handle Velazquez’ business for the three-week meeting by the jockey’s regular agent, Angel Cordero Jr., whom Munoz has known for 25 years.
"Angel has an exercise rider’s license and he needed help with Johnny (at Keeneland)," Munoz said April 1 at Keeneland. "I told him I was here to help him out."
Because Cordero also has an exercise rider’s license at Gulfstream Park, where Velazquez has been riding regularly, his agent for the meet has been Manuel Fuentes, who is not at Keeneland.
Saez will ride at Oaklawn Park for trainer Larry Jones April 4 and 5, and then ride the remainder of the Keeneland meeting, Munoz said. He is the regular rider of Friesan Fire, winner of the grade II Louisiana Derby and one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Velazquez will ride in New York April 4, Munoz said. He has the mount on the Jones-trained Kodiak Kowboy in the Carter Handicap (gr. I), as well as Robert LaPenta's Just a Coincidence in the Wood Memorial (gr. I).
