Derby News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 28, 2006) - Bruce Lunsford and Lansdon Robbins III's First Samurai, a major contender for the $2 million guaranteed Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) on May 6, will have a new jockey in the irons for his final prep for the "Run for the Roses."

Trainer Frank Brothers said that Rafael Bejarano would ride the son of Giant's Causeway in the $750,000-added Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (GI) at Keeneland. The 1 1/8-mile race is scheduled for April 15 at the Lexington track.

"Rafael is an outstanding rider and has enjoyed much success in Kentucky and around the country," said Brothers. "We're happy to have him."

Edgar Prado had ridden First Samurai in his two starts in 2006 - a victory via disqualification in the Fountain of Youth (GII) and a runner-up finish in the Hutcheson (GII), both at Gulfstream Park. Pat Day was aboard for the colt's victory in his career debut at Churchill Downs in June, then Jerry Bailey took over following Day's retirement to ride the colt to three victories in his next four starts - a string that included wins in the prestigious Hopeful (GI) at Saratoga and the Champagne (GI) at Belmont Park. He completed his 2-year-old season with a third-place finish to eventual 2-year-old champion Stevie Wonderboy in the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) at Belmont Park.

Bejarano has been the hottest rider in Kentucky racing over the past two years. The 23-year-old Peruvian won riding titles at Churchill Downs and Keeneland in 2005. He earned the Spring Meet title at Churchill Downs outright and shared the track's Fall Meet crown with Mark Guidry. He also took the fall riding title at Keeneland. Bejarano's most notable victory of 2005 was a win aboard eventual female turf champion Intercontinental in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (GI) at Belmont Park.

First Samurai is now training at Churchill Downs, where Brothers' stable is based through much of the year. The colt will bring a career record of 5-1-1 in seven races and earnings of $892,575 into the Toyota Blue Grass.

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