INFORMATION is flowing thick and fast at the race track and its environs as the June 14 date for the 94th running of the Jamaica Derby gets closer.

Most of this news surrounds which jockey will partner some of the runners in the $7-million Derby run over 12 furlongs and which this year is sponsored by McKay Security Limited. The most interesting bit of information reaching the Complete Racing Guide from railbirds is that well-acclaimed American-based jockey Edgar Prado is being approached by the connections of Talented Tony K to ride the 2,000 Guineas and Lotto Classic (Governor’s Cup) winner in the Derby. The Peruvian-born Prado mainly rides these days at Belmont Park in New York although he lives in Florida.

Prado is a past winner of the Kentucky Derby, a task he accomplished in 2006 when he piloted the much-vaunted Babaro to victory. His career statistics makes for impressive reading – Starts: 36,710 – Firsts: 6,711 – Seconds: 5,854 – Thirds: 5,103 – Earnings: $250,341,492 – Avg Earnings Per Start: $6,819. Prado became the 19th jockey in thoroughbred racing history to win 5,000 races. For Prado to ride in the Derby his papers including clearance must be submitted to the Jamaica Racing Commission for verification and approval.

If Prado does make the trip to Jamaica it will mean that Shane Ellis who rode a brilliant race on Talented Tony K to win the Lotto Classic will have to seek another ride in the Derby. Thus far it looks like he will link with his home trainer, Anthony Nunes, and ride Relampago who finished a short head behind Talented Tony K in the Governor’s Cup.

Dick Cardenas who rode Relampago in the Lotto Classic would therefore have to seek another mount if Ellis is to ride Relampago. Railbirds are whispering very strongly that the Panamanian born Cardenas might get on board Reaven Renae who won the Jamaica Oaks. It was Ellis who partnered the Fitzroy Glispie-trained filly to victory in the Oaks.