Edgard Zayas is gearing up for a packed week at Churchill Downs as he prepares for one of the biggest assignments of his career during Kentucky Derby week. As the leading jockey at Gulfstream Park’s Royal Palm Meet, Zayas will be in action multiple days, culminating with a ride in the prestigious $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) on Friday, where he will partner with Early On, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. This isn’t Zayas’s first taste of the Derby atmosphere, having previously found success at Churchill Downs when he guided Sharp Azteca to victory in the 2016 Pat Day Mile (G3). However, the excitement of competing in the Kentucky Oaks on a live contender has him particularly eager this year.
Early On has shown promise, starting her career with a maiden win at Gulfstream Park in February, and following up with solid runner-up finishes in both the Virginia Oaks and the Gazelle (G3). Zayas’s recent form has been impressive, closing the Gulfstream Championship Meet in fourth place among some of the nation’s best jockeys. Now 31, the Puerto Rican native celebrated a major milestone just last week by reaching 2,500 career victories. His Derby week schedule includes multiple mounts, and he might even get a shot at the Kentucky Derby itself aboard Neoequos if entry circumstances change. Sharing the momentous week with him will be his wife, Ashley, and their daughters, Lillian and Lilah, adding a personal touch to an already memorable experience.
Meanwhile, young talent Micah Husbands made headlines at Gulfstream Park by capturing the $70,000 Golden Beach Handicap aboard Mrs. Gambolini. Without the advantage of his former apprentice weight allowance, Husbands showcased poise and tactical smarts, steering Mrs. Gambolini to a wire-to-wire win in an eye-catching 54.14 seconds for the five-furlong turf sprint. Originally considering a stalking trip, Husbands adjusted when no early speed materialized, seizing control and never looking back.
The victory marked a notable moment for the 21-year-old, who continues to build his reputation during the Royal Palm Meet after registering 13 wins during the Championship Meet. Mrs. Gambolini, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. and owned by e Five Racing Thoroughbreds, was returning from an extended layoff but showed no signs of rust, delivering her third win in just four starts. Husbands, who hails from Barbados and is the nephew—and adopted son—of accomplished jockey Patrick Husbands, described riding and winning at Gulfstream as a dream turned reality.
Elsewhere on Sunday’s card, Paco Lopez was in exceptional form, picking up four wins across the day’s program, including aboard Ship Cadet and Dynamic Empire. Additionally, White Abarrio, the recent Pegasus World Cup winner, turned in a maintenance breeze over four furlongs as he gears up for the Met Mile at Saratoga in June.
Looking ahead to the wagering action, Gulfstream Park’s Rainbow 6 pool is expected to reach an estimated $250,000 when racing resumes Thursday. The popular 20-cent jackpot wager has been steadily growing since the last mandatory payout and now enters its ninth consecutive day without a single-ticket winner. Bettors will be eyeing Sunday, May 4, when another mandatory payout is scheduled, offering a major opportunity to claim the entire pool.
Thursday’s Rainbow 6 sequence kicks off in Race 4 and features a range of competitive events, including a maiden claimer on the Tapeta course and an optional claiming allowance where veteran sprinter Gatsby seeks to snap a long losing streak. Gatsby, a proven performer with nearly half a million dollars in earnings, faces tough competition from Hurricane Nelson, who comes off two straight wins.
Later in the sequence, fans will watch nine-year-old Xy Speed attempt to add to his impressive career record when he lines up from the rail in a turf sprint packed with seasoned rivals. The program wraps up with a promising maiden special weight for 3-year-old fillies, where Brisa Veloz, a $450,000 purchase, will try to deliver on her high expectations.
With so much on the line both on the track and in the wagering pools, Gulfstream Park promises another thrilling week as Derby fever continues to build.
