Espinoza has a horse

Victor Espinza have a ride.

With less than a month to go before the 2018 Kentucky Derby, no trainer had reached out to the man who piloted a Triple Crown winner just three years ago.

Espinoza had gone through his normal winter routine of scouting the best 3-year-olds. He’d even worked out Bolt d’Oro for owner and trainer Mick Ruis. But Ruis’s horse was taken by Javier Castellano.

So at age 45, Espinoza sat in limbo, unsure he’d have a chance to seek his fourth Derby victory. Then, his contemporary, John Velazquez, made a choice with cascading consequences.

Given his pick of three Derby horses by Pletcher, Velazquez opted to ride Wood Memorial winner Vino Rosso over Florida Derby winner Audible. Pletcher then phoned Castellano’s agent to ask if he’d leave Bolt d’Oro for Audible. Castellano said yes.

Ruis had asked Espinoza to work Bolt d’Oro with such an eventuality in mind. So when Castellano decamped, he knew exactly whom to call.

Espinoza said he’s thrilled with the way his situation played out, because he’s convinced Bolt d’Oro can win on Saturday.

The 8-1 choice in the morning line lost to Good Magic in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and to Derby favorite Justify in the Santa Anita Derby. But Espinoza is convinced he possesses untapped potential.

“The last race, I don’t think he ran his race,” he said, referring to Santa Anita. “I think he can do better than that, and I think the Kentucky Derby is the right time for him to show up. … I think I can improve him a little bit more, and that’s all we need.” did not