Idaho raised hall of fame jockey Gary Stevens is hoping to ride for the 23rd time when the gates open for the Kentucky Derby this Saturday but his ride, "Royal Mo" is on the bubble based on Derby standings.

The field of 20 ponies has been announced and "Royal Mo" is ranked 21st. That means at least one horse has to scratch from Saturdays run for the roses for Stevens to ride. The deadline for a horse to scratch is Friday morning.

Stevens who learned his trade at Les Bois Park in Boise has nine triple crown wins three each in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.

At 54 Stevens doesn't expect to be racing much longer, in fact he retired once and came back after eight years but next time the retirement will stick.

If Steven's does get a chance to ride "Royal Mo" in Saturdays Derby at 54 he'd be the oldest jockey in the field and would be going for his 4th Derby tying Bill Shoemaker for the second most Kentucky Derby wins.

"Classic Empire" is the Derby favorite at 4-1, he'll break from post number 14.

 

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