From the TDN:
Calvin Borel, who has ridden three of the last four GI Kentucky Derby winners, will pilot Edward Brown Jr. and Victor Flores’ GIII Sunland Derby winner Twice the Appeal (Successful Appeal) in the May 7 Classic. “I called [Borel’s agent Jerry Hissam Tuesday] and asked if they would take our horse into consideration,” trainer Jeff Bonde’s racing and bloodstock manager Mersad Metanovic explained. “My owners wanted an experienced rider and Calvin was the best available who already had a lot of success in the Derby. He called us back [Wednesday] to tell us Calvin would take the mount.” Metanovic continued, “We didn’t necessarily want to make the change because we felt a sense of loyalty [to previous rider Christian Santiago Reyes], but we thought this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we want to seize it now and not have any excuses later.” Borel, a first-time finalist for induction into the Hall of Fame this year, won the 2007 Derby with Street Sense (Street Cry {Ire}), the 2009 Derby with Mine that Bird (Birdstone) and last year’s “Run for the Roses” with Super Saver (Maria’s Mon). “I think Borel fits this horse perfectly,” Metanovic said. “We’re really excited.”
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