Thompson Shares Thoughts on Trainer Larry Jones
Call them the dynamic duo of Oaklawn, but trainer Larry Jones and jockey Terry Thompson (pictured) have one of the best working relationships at the spa meeting. Thompson rides most of the Jones horses on race day, and often works the stable in the morning. Thompson knows that he may not even ride some of the horses he works in the morning, but Jones trusts the feedback Thompson gives him.
They will team up next Saturday in the $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby with Old Fashioned. Thompson, who looks to take his first jockey title at Oaklawn, has a chance to take his second Arkansas Derby aboard the son of Unbridled’s Song. The jockey also knows that he always will have the support from Jones and that Jones can look for support from him.
“I have never ridden for an easier trainer than Larry. I have been riding for him for at least the past ten years, going all the way back to Ellis Park,” mentioned Thompson between races. “He has never given me any riding instructions. About all he ever says in the paddock before he gives me a leg up is ‘good luck’.”
“I get on most of his horses in the morning, so I know them well. Larry and I both want to win. We are both happy when we see each other in the winners circle,” smiled Thompson. “If we lose, he understands. Larry is not a trainer to get upset over a loss. We have both been in this game long enough to realize there is usually only one winner in the race.”
Thompson understands that Larry has a lot to do and tough decisions to make on a daily basis. “He has decisions to make to get his horses ready to race. I have decisions to make in a course of that race,” Thompson contemplated. “When you ride a horse for Larry there is no second guessing. He is a pleasure to ride for and a good friend. I’m thankful.”
The two will pair up throughout the remainder of the meet with not only Old Fashioned in the Arkansas Derby, but Tammy’s Victress in the Bayakoa Stakes, and Payton D’Oro in the Instant Racing Stakes.
Scooter Dickey Has Chance With Flat Out
Trainers at Oaklawn are hoping for their shot at history around this time of year and a shot of victory in the Grade II $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby. The race caps off the end of another spectacular meet at Oaklawn and has fans counting down the days until next year’s meet.
One week from today colts and geldings from across the country will be here to earn their share of $1,000,000 and a chance to move on to the Triple Crown. A horse that fans recall, but haven’t heard much on lately will be Flat Out (pictured) from the barn of Charles “Scooter” Dickey. He hasn’t run since his fourth place finish in the Southwest Stakes, where the son of Flatter broke poorly from the gate spotting the field about five lengths. He now will be going to the Arkansas Derby attempting to gain purse money and a chance to move on to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Flat Out worked a mile this morning in preparation for the Arkansas Derby. He worked in 1:43.40 over a fast Oaklawn track this morning. “He went ok. I am pleased with the way he went. Jockey Julio Garcia, my go to boy, was in the saddle for the work,” mentioned Dickey. “He is a horse that is still learning. When he ran in the Southwest, he wasn’t ready for the start, he got away bad and then raced four wide, it didn’t help him at all.”
“He still ran a good race on that day, he ran fourth,” commented Dickey. “I think he has a shot in the Derby. He has been doing everything right in the mornings, and is ready to go. If he runs one or two in the Arkansas Derby then we will go to the Kentucky Derby and take our chance there. This one horse next week could change the course of my life. You hope for a shot like that, and I’m excited for my shot with Flat Out.”
Flat Out will look to cement a spot in the Kentucky Derby, but first must take a shot in the $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby and give Dickey his first try at the Triple Crown.
A Little Bit More
Jockey Ken Shino (pictured) will return to riding races after recuperating from breaking two ribs in an accident on February 8th. He rides Lassie’s Cat in the fifth race for trainer Tim Martin.
Summer Bird put in his final drill before his upcoming start in next Saturday’s Arkansas Derby. The Tim Ice trainee worked five panels in a bullet time of 1:00.20. It left jockey Chris Rosier excited at his shot in the race. “He worked so easily. I couldn’t be any happier with the way this colt is coming up to the Arkansas Derby,” commented Rosier. “I really believe he will surprise some people next Saturday. He is sitting on ready.”
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