Will Garrett Gomez ride Pioneerof the Nile for Baffert in the Ky Derby?
Dunkirk or Pioneerof the Nile?
Hmm.
Pioneerof the Nile or Dunkirk?
Those are the thoughts that will be going through jockey Garrett Gomez’ head this weekend as he decides which horse to ride in the May 2 Kentucky Derby.
Gomez said on his NTRA blog Thursday that the decision is a tough one because he has good relationships with both trainers — Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert — and both owners. But on Sunday, he will pick either Dunkirk or Pioneerof the Nile.
And after reading the complete NTRA blog entry, Gomez seems to be leaning toward Dunkirk.
Gomez’ blog delves into the pros and cons of each horse. In the Florida Derby, Gomez was impressed by the strong move Dunkirk made on Quality Road. He also noted that Dunkirk galloped out ahead of Quality Road after the wire.
“I don’t think a mile and a quarter will be a problem with him at all,” Gomez wrote.
He describes Pioneerof the Nile as more of a head case, who doesn’t run hard when he makes the lead.
“He hasn’t really done anything wrong when I’ve ridden him in the afternoons, but in a couple of races on him I’ve been a little uncomfortable because the simple fact is, I know there’s more to him,” Gomez wrote. “When he makes the lead, he has pulled up a little bit in a few of his races, and it feels like you’ve got a target on your back and somebody’s gonna come and nail you.”
Maiden King 