Jerry Bailey has been named as the new rider for Repent, trainer Kenny McPeek said Monday. Bailey replaces the colt's regular rider Tony D'Amico, who just a few days ago lost the mount on McPeek's other Derby contender Harlan's Holiday.
Whatever anyone wants to make of it, Bailey has been the regular rider for Siphonic, who has been atop many Derby contenders lists since last fall.
"The owners and I discussed it, and we decided it was something we had to do," McPeek said. "It was a tough call, and I hated to do it, but like in baseball, if you can get a Roger Clemens, you have to go for it."
McPeek said he has not been given a commitment by Bailey through the Derby, but is confident he'll be on the colt come Derby Day. "Once he rides this horse, he won't want to take off him," McPeek said.
Repent captured the Risen Star Stakes in his 3-year-old debut on Feb. 17, and is scheduled to make his next start in either the Louisiana Derby or Spiral Stakes. The former will be run a week before the San Felipe, which is Siphonic's next scheduled start.
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