Paco Lopez - the great equalizer
 

what's going on with one of the most successful jockeys at GP - Paco Lopez?

Jockeys at his level of stardom most often get the best horses, have agreements with large stables (with good horses) - e.g., look at the Ortiz bros and other leading jocks.

But Paco shows up with a crazy lineup - just look at this weekend (yesterday's rides listed below). In my mind he generally gets horses to outperform their talent and odds and I always look to see who he is on...and recently I've really been surprised at the horses he is on and the trainers he is riding for (or not)

SO has he pissed someone off, are people avoiding him? Is he making a statement for the little guy (not THE Little Guy) and trying to bring quality jock work to mediocre horses, ETC...???


Saturday 1/9/21, he only rode 6/11 races

R3 - Dr DUke a decent horse for a 9% trainer
R6 - Yellen, 20-1 ML for the powerhouse Cam Gambolati barn, off at 25 -1. Runs way better than odds and finishes a close 3rd
R7 - Jungle (15-1 ML and off at 15-1). HOrse looks like no great shakes and finishes way back
R9 - Joe da Baggio - this is the only "good" horse he rode today - i.e., one that woudl be included in the top 3 or 4 competitors and has a good chance of winning. And he did win
r10 #8 Hay - 15 -1 ML, 25-1 at the track. Wile riding for the Make barn this is not one of Maker's better or even good horses
r11 #12 Unmarked 10-1 ML, off at 11-1. A FTS for the Barboza barn

He had one horse from Pletecher today (Sunday) in the 5th at GP and he outran his odds to finish 2d.

Definitely NOT one of Pletcher's better horses.

Okay, looks like he is considered too aggressive and perhaps dangerous...
so he is loved by some (or winning) and disliked/despised by others. Still I'd appreciate some local flavor if possiible.

Thanks for playing.

Exactly...lot of folks see him as dangerous, which he may well be, but as a bettor I love the guy.

Absolutely!
His riding abilities and techniques remind me of Angel Cordero.

I'm really enjoying the jockey colony at Gulfstream right now. Past few years it felt like jockeys were scared of the Ortiz brothers. But Paco, Zayas, Luis Saez, and Tyler G are riding without fear and making aggressive moves.

When he is engaged and feels he has a chance, the effort, crossing over the line or straddling right up to it is undeniable.

It is almost comical when he starts drifting in or out, leaning to prevent other horses from passing or whipping/flailing on his horse from the side to intimidate the other jockeys and horses.

I seemingly rarely see a horse pass his when they are close together.

Of course, I can never win with him and always lose to him. :-(

Interesting stuff. I agree with the statement above that as a bettor I love him. Hope they all stay healthy.

Best, Frank

he got'em in 2nd race today

perfect ride, 7/1

Where has Paco been lately? No entries from Sunday through Friday. Always assume he's got some sort of days to serve, but don't recall seeing anything mentioned last week.

COVID?

I wouldn't think so because he wasn't replaced on any mounts. Miguel Vasquez has also been MIA this week, same type of situation so I assume we'll see them back next week. Seems hard to find track rulings on when riders/trainers actually start suspensions.