Jockey Profile: Joel Rosario

When racing resumes at Santa Anita on Friday, March 29,  one of the top jockeys in the nation could also resume riding at the Great Race Place. Joel Rosario took his tack to Oaklawn Park after Santa Anita shut down so that they could work on the track.

With Santa Anita resuming live racing, hopefully, Joel will return. Rosario started his career at Santa Anita. Around twenty years ago, we California racing fans knew that he'd become one of the best in the world. He's proven us right by winning races on a daily basis as well as winning the Derby, the Belmont Stakes, and Breeders' Cup races.

Check out 5 of Joel's most memorable rides!

Every Day Joel Shows Why He's One of the Best

Orb, 2013 Kentucky Derby

It's still remarkable how Joel was able to get Orb home first in the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Joel pulled Orb back and although it was a quick pace, he had to take the favorite wide around the final turn. Not only that, but some quality animals got the jump on Orb.

At the top of the stretch, it didn't look like Joel and Orb had any shot. He made it happen, though. Joel used his understanding of pace, as well as his patience to get Orb to the winner's circle first in the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

Tonalist, 2014 Belmont Stakes

Unlike how Joel rode Orb in the Kentucky Derby, he put Tonalist into the race right away in the 2014 Belmont Stakes. Joel had a feeling that to beat a horse like California Chrome, he couldn't lose touch with the Derby and Preakness winner. As far as Tonalist's performance in the stretch, that was all Rosario. He wouldn't let Tonalist give up.

Bobby's Kitten, 2014 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint

Joel's also shown that he can ride on the turf. His performance aboard Bobby's Kitten might be his best so far. Joel knew that the key was to put Bobby's Kitten in the clear because he didn't want his mount to lose any momentum once he got going. Although Joel had to take Bobby's Kitten as wide as possible to get him in the clear, the move paid off with a BC Turf Sprint win.

Tourist, 2016 Breeders' Cup Mile

Knowing favored Tenpin had a better closing kick than his horse, Tourist, Joel decided to save as much ground as possible while getting the jump on Tenpin. He moved Tourist up in increments along the backstretch. Then at the top of the stretch when the rail opened, he pushed Tourist through as quickly as he could. While Joel saved ground, Tenpin had to go wide. Yet another awesome ride by one of the best jockeys in the world.

Accelerate, 2018 Breeders' Cup Classic

Many handicappers didn't think Accelerate could break from post 14 and win the Breeders' Cup Classic. What's incredible is that Joel decided to put Accelerate close to a ridiculously fast pace for 1 1/4 miles. Not only did Accelerate win, but he won rather easily considering the circumstances.

Joel's having another great year. Hopefully, once Santa Anita starts up again, he'll return and start doing what he always does, win races.