Winning Ponies

With the major Breeders' Cup preps in the rear view mirror, we'll visit with an up and coming jockey who will ride in her first Breeders' Cup race and handicap a state-bred version of the Breeders' Cup, Ohio-breds' divisional showdown in the Best of Ohio. Jockey Sophie Doyle upset champion Judy the Beauty with her well timed ride aboard Fioretti in the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America at Keeneland - a Win and You're In Filly & Mare Sprint Division race. Sophie hails from a racing family in England and is the sister of James Doyle who rides for Godolphin in Europe. Sophie was the leading female apprentice in England and has an interesting story to tell about growing up in a riding family and her transition to the American style of riding. Rich Ruda, the house handicapper at Thistledown that will host The Best of Ohio series on Saturday, will join John in 'capping this state-bred program which will feature 5 divisional championship races.