Catch up with Kentucky Derby contenders’ connections

April 27, 2022

The Kentucky Derby is 10 days away and with 20 horses to review you can never get enough info. Here’s a chance to catch up with trainers Tim Yakteen, John Ortiz and Saffie Joseph along jockey Mike Smith and owner of Derby contender, Barber Road, Bill Simon. The Kentucky HBPA had provided video interviews for the media to share with the public. Enjoy!

Wednesday’s Zoom interviews

Tim Yakteen, trainer of 1-2 Santa Anita Derby finishers Taiba and Messier

Trainer John Ortiz and owner Bill Simon, who have Arkansas Derby runner-up Barber Road in the Kentucky Derby

Tuesday’s Zoom call interviews

Saffie Joseph, trainer of Florida Derby winner White Abarrio

Mike Smith, rider of Santa Anita Derby winner Taiba in the colts second career start.

Check out Past The Wire’s Early Kentucky Derby run-down by Keeneland Dan and Jimmy Mcnerney. And, take PTW’s Annual Kentucky Derby/Kentucky Oaks Seminar

For complete 148th Kentucky Derby Leaderboard click here

Videos produced by Jennie Rees, Kentucky HBPA communications
Photos: John Ortiz (Coady Photography), Tim Yakteen (Tim Yakteen/Social Media)

Hi jon couldnt wait to hear frm u. Everthing u said about every horse is so spot on. I thought i was talking. U dont need my picks lol i need yours. Much respect. But i like to say in the pk4. U and me know sometimes a horse needs a race off the plane but the word im hearing is dona clota in the 10th is a very good horse. In the 11th i put emery 9 on par with a horse like ways n means. U and geo look at the 6 in 10th race so u dont miss out on yr pk4s n 5s. So 4now my simple ticket is 6 with 9 with all with 2 4 10 6 I will be adding yr main horse in 3 of those 4 races. Thku jon.

@CarlCarlson-k5p View testimonials

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