Jockeys Named to Ride Azillion, Bunk N Ted in Blue Grass

The trainers of Azillion and Bunk N Ted have decided on jockeys to guide the colts when they go postward in the April 13 Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland.

Trainer Bob Hess secured Corey Nakatani to ride Lane's End Spiral Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Azillion in the Blue Grass. The Irish-bred son of Alzao was ridden by Mike Smith in the Spiral and Kent Desormeaux in his two previous American starts.

Meanwhile, owner-trainer Danny Hutt has named Angela Owens to ride Sam F. Davis Stakes winner Bunk N Ted in the 1 1/8-mile Kentucky Derby prep. Owens was in the saddle for Bunk N Ted's Tuesday work at Churchill Downs when the son of Belong to Me breezed a half-mile in :48 4/5 on the training track. In his most recent start, Bunk N Ted suffered his only loss to date, finishing fifth in the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) after becoming washy in the post parade. Pat Day rode him in the Tampa Bay Downs race.

Others being prepared for the $750,000 race include Harlan's Holiday, Booklet, Request for Parole, and Gold Dollar.