Columnist Ralph Siraco: Jockeys jockey for Derby rides

Ralph Siraco

Monday, April 29, 2002 | 8:31 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's horse racing column appears Monday and his Southern California selections run Tuesday-Sunday.

The post position draw for Saturday's Kentucky Derby is rapidly approaching. And the only certain thing about this wide open Derby is the multitudes of those who want to participate. Either this is a deep year of talented sophomores or a year of deep-pocket owners who want to see their colors carried in America's most famous horse race.

Whichever the case, on Wednesday when they draw the field for 128th Run for the Roses, there will be several horses looking in from outside the starting gate. The surest thing about this year's Derby is the field size. It will be 20 horses full.

Since the 23-horse calvary charge of the 100th edition in 1974, the Derby is now limited to 20 starters. The criteria for entry is Graded stakes earnings -- from the highest on down.

With just two days to go, there are 25 on the list. Five will be out unless one or more of the top 20 defect.

Well, better wait until they print the program before making your selection this year.

The musical jockey chairs -- or in this case, musical jockey mounts -- are as bizarre as the field of starters themselves.

So, as a public service to those betting their favorite jockey, here are the horses they will likely be aboard by post time Saturday: