Castellano chooses Gemologist over Union Rags

[MO]

http://www.drf.com/news/2012-kentucky-derby-castellano-lands-gemologist-after-roller-coaster-ride

[Rick B.]

Smart business move for the long-term, as Pletcher always seems to be up to his eyeballs in great horses.

I don\'t think Castellano improved his Derby chances, though. Tough Derby! I\'m amazed that some of you guys have it all nailed down already.

[Dana666]

This was no surprise for a lot of reasons. I didn\'t even know the issue was ever in doubt. So who\'s riding Union Rags? I guess a second or two of googling will supply the answer.

[Dave]

Leparoux has been on Rags

[Dana666]

yes

[sighthound]

Castellano\'s record with his Derby horses finish positions is in the teens.  Can\'t decide if that\'s due to his choosing his mounts poorly, or if it\'s just the horses he had, and now that makes him more determined to get in the photos.

[mikemca]

Castellano didn\'t choose Gemologist over Union Rags.He chose Algorythms over Union Rags and when that horse went off the trail Leparoux already replaced him on Union Rags.

[sighthound]

Good point.  True, that.

[Dana666]

Yeah, I didn\'t think there was any debate. Maybe they were looking for a story.

[sighthound]

Dana - I have been reading trainers comments on their horses running styles, and they match very well with what your friend has observed.  He seems a good, observant horseman with the ability to accurately portray how each individual responds in relation to archtypical equine behaviours.

[alm]

The real story would have been who Julien would choose if he had the choice.  

Personally, I think both jockeys are near the top of the national colony and I also think that their riding styles suit the horses they\'ve ended up with.  

Gentlemen, start your engines.