Follow Up Question to Favorite Trainers/Jockeys?

Question

Thanks to everyone who answered my previous question. This one deals with specific jockeys/trainers. With the exception of Linda Rice (who I am asking about for different reasons), I am asking specifically about these individuals because I have heard contradictory things about them. They seem to inspire love/hate relationships. If you know them personally or have had a chance to observe them over time, I'd love to hear your opinions. What do you think of:

1. Linda Rice, trainer

2. Garrett Gomez, jockey - I think he's an excellent rider and I'm inspired by the way he overcame his problems with substance abuse, however, I have heard opposite opinions with respect to whether he is too arrogant.

3. Kent Desmoreaux

4. Corey Nakatani

On another subject, is Edgar Prado on vacation until Gulfstream opens? Haven't seen him listed to ride since his wonderful day at Laurel last weekend (wins on Benny the Bull, Cowboy Cal, Crimson Comic and Hot Sunrise). Yeah Edgar!

Answer 1

1. no opinion either way

2. From what I know of him (and of people who know him), he seems to be a nice guy

3. Good rider

4. Wouldn't spit on him if he was on fire. Hate hate hate hate hate him.

Answer 2

To #1 never heard of her....is she an east coast trainer?

#2,3,4 All great jockeys, Gomez I like for sprints, Kent and Corey is a coin flip but my 1st choice between the two ....I'd lean towards Kent. Thanks for asking a good question!

Answer 3

I was in the same barn as Linda Rice back in the early 90's at Garden State Park and Monmouth Park, back when she had the sprinter "Ready Jet Go".

To me she seemed to come from a wealthy family; appeared quiet in the barn and neither overly kind or overly rude; she did seem to have a good work ethic.

Her website link is below.

Answer 4

Linda when I first notice her was racing in Washington State running cheap horses and the other trainers didn't respect her at all. She knows her stuff I don't know how she became a trainer but Linda was very nice and spoke every morning. She has some nice stock now and was in Fla the last time I saw here. She has a website just punch in Linda Rice Racing Stables

Answer 5

1) Never heard of her.

2) Garrett Gomez - really came into his own over the last 3 years. Works very hard. Wins lots of races. As good as anyone.

3) Kent Desormeaux - Possibly the best rider on the turf today. Used to get chastised for not finishing races (standing up before the wire, not trying for 2nd - 5th place if horse wasn't going to win). Kind of brash but can usually back it up. I like him especially on longshots on the turf.

4) Corey Nakatani - I used to love betting his horses before he was highly thought of. I could always see he was really good. He has had numerous agents because he expects to be on the favorite in every race. He gets mad when things dont go his way. His talent is as good as anybodys but I dont think he has ever gotten to the bottom of it.

Answer 6

Hey Sightseeing,

Linda Rice... hmmm won't go there.

Garrett... you already know my opinion on him.

Kent Desormeaux... LOVE the guy, although he does have a fiery temper ( personally I think it's the Cajun in him...LOL!). GREAT rider, great work ethic. Looks like he may be Bill Mott's "go to guy" in 2008.

Corey Nakatani... don't know him personally, but he had some bad times after his sister was murdered back in the late 90's I believe. He doesn't often come to the East Coast.

And yes, Edgar Prado normally takes the time off between when Aqueduct switches to the inner track and Gulfstream opens. Normally this works out to be about a month, but with Gulfstream opening early this year I don't know. I DO know the horse vans are rolling in like crazy at Gulfstream and Payson Park!