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Jockey John Velazquez will ride Verrazano in the Kentucky Derby

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John Velazquez has chosen to ride Verrazano over Orb in the Kentucky Derby this year.

John Velazquez has chosen to ride Verrazano over Orb in the Kentucky Derby this year.

NEW YORK (AP) -- John Velazquez will ride unbeaten Verrazano in the Kentucky Derby.

The jockey's agent, Angel Cordero, confirms Wednesday that Velazquez will be aboard the Wood Memorial winner in the Derby on May 4.

Velazquez also rides Florida Derby winner Orb, but has decided to go with Verrazano, the 3-year-old colt many expect to be the Derby favorite.

Orb also is a top Derby contender, and will now be ridden by Joel Rosario, who was aboard the horse for his first five starts. Rosario was aboard third-place finisher Vyjack in the Wood.

Velazquez, meanwhile, has been sidelined since Sunday, when he fractured a rib and chipped a bone on his right wrist in a spill during a race at Aqueduct.

A news release from the Jockeys' Guild on Wednesday said Velazquez was examined by Dr. Stephen O'Brien on Monday and cleared to resume riding May 1.