Top NYRA and Socal Jockey List

[jayfree41]

I might get flamed for this list. Many handicappers feel that Jock's don't make that much of a difference -- it's the horse! I beg to differ. Here's my humble list of best jockeys on the NYRA and So Cal circuit -- those that can really make lemon out of lemonade:

1. Javier Castellano...slight edge over Ramon. This guy really is magical...changing the horse's tendencies to win -- I've seen him turn a closer into a speed horse numerous times or vice versa if the race demanded it.

2. Ramon Dominguez ...very close behind Javier.

3. Joel Rosario -- the West Coast version of Javier...a good reader of pace scenarios who adjusts accordingly .

4. John Velazquez -- classy jock who gets the job done. But isn't as much of a lemonade maker as the above.

5. Garrett Gomez -- the hustler...the grinder....nobody works harder before the finish line.

Honorable mention: Desormeaux in his better days. Tyler Baze on the front end. P Val in his better days. David Cohen -- a lot like Gomez (hustle). Alex Solis -- gentle handler.

I'd love to hear your feedback. I have been wanting to start this thread for a long time.

[NikeUnlimited]

I would remove Gomez and add Bejarano. With Rosario as 1 and Bejarano as 2

[Dahoss9698]

David Cohen is an honorable mention?

[the little guy]

David Cohen is an honorable mention?

Perhaps his brilliant ride in Saturday's 1st put him over the top.

[captainhot]

SoCal
1, Rosario
2, Bejarano
3, Garcia
4, Gomez

New York
1, Castellano
2, JR
3, Dominguez
4, Solis

[Robert Fischer]

alan garcia

[Beachbabe]

I might get flamed for this list. Many handicappers feel that Jock's don't make that much of a difference -- it's the horse! I beg to differ. Here's my humble list of best jockeys on the NYRA and So Cal circuit -- those that can really make lemon out of lemonade:


I think you meant making "lemonade out of lemons".

I think only God could make a lemon.

[Stillriledup]

I can't comment on the NYRA jocks, but this Rosario character is a really special rider. Rosario is an elite rider who tries really hard no matter what the class of race. Some of these older jocks get a little complacent and just ride hard when it 'counts' but Joel seems to ride every race like its a stakes race. He's better than Bejarano now and he's head and shoulders better than everyone else on the west coast.

[Robert Fischer]

I think you meant making "lemonade out of lemons".

I think only God could make a lemon.

some would argue jockeys as well :p

[turfnsport]

Perhaps his brilliant ride in Saturday's 1st put him over the top.

Or it could have been his ride in the 10th on Saturday.

[jayfree41]

Thanks for your comments and your correction of my botched metaphor. :)

Yes Bejarano was overlooked. But I do put him below Rosario/Dominguez/Castellano.

[Robert Goren]

I have been watching races for 45 years and Gomez is the best I have ever seen by quite a bit. He has a major magic touch. Ramon is tough to beat on a front runner. I don't trust Garica on a "must be on the lead to win" runner anymore. I have seen him back off too many times. Rosario and Castellano are major improvement over most riders.

[the little guy]

Or it could have been his ride in the 10th on Saturday.

He's a particularly slow learner on the " horses like to rally outside of other horses " concept.

[parlay]

Perhaps his brilliant ride in Saturday's 1st put him over the top.

He forgot he lost his bug, been watching that new kid.
Needs to watch CV or RD,
can't possibly be on anyones "TOP" list

[jayfree41]

I can see there are some David Cohen bashers here. Lol. Watching replays of Saturday's First and Last -- I can see why. Nonetheless, I like his grit -- perhaps I overrated him :)

[toetoe]

Perhaps his brilliant ride in Saturday's 1st put him over the top.



You must hate some jockeys less than others. How about Gomez ? He's the best friend of a friend, so maybe my judgement is clouded. However, I think he's top notch.

Years ago, you posted that you were underwhelmed by Bejarano. Has your opinion changed ? (This was when he was in Kentucky.)

Beyond those mentioned, the following have impressed me favorably:

Kendrick Carmouche

Julien Leparoux

Julien Couton

A.R. Napravnik

[parlay]

I can see there are some David Cohen bashers here. Lol. Watching replays of Saturday's First and Last -- I can see why. Nonetheless, I like his grit -- perhaps I overrated him :)

Not bashing, i like the kid. He's a lansman :)

[garyscpa]

David Cohen is an honorable mention?

He had to mean David Flores. I wouldn't say he's a top jock, but he'a cut below.

[tundral]

Cornelio is tops.

[Spiderman]

John Velasquez gets my vote for top jockey to bet with confidence. He gets them rolling from the gate and will dominate when on the lead.

Javier has taken giant steps in improvement. Two-three years ago, I wouldn't trust him on a front runner, but always liked him on a stalk and pounce type. Perhaps coincidentally, when he started riding first call for Godolphin was when he moved along the learning curve.

Rajiv Maragh has impressed with either front or late running style horses. Getting mounts from notable turf specialist trainers, Clement and Penna.

Have no complaint with Alan Gracia. He prefers to ride late runner types.

Haven't paid much attention to SoCal this year. Rosario, Bejarano and Talamo, in that order, make my top three.