In what was no doubt a difficult decision, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. has committed to riding GI Arkansas Derby winner Renegade (Into Mischief) in the GI Kentucky Derby. Ortiz was also the regular rider of GI Blue Grass Stakes winner and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Further Ado (Gun Runner). It's possible that the two will be, in some order, the first and second choices in the Derby.The news on Ortiz's pick, as well as other jockey commitments made to other key Derby contenders, was first reported by the Daily Racing Form's David Grening.“It's always great having Irad ride any of my horses,” Mike Repole, who is the co-owner of Renegade, said via text. “He is one of the best riders today. He knows Renegade really well, especially after winning back-to-back stakes on him this year.”Renegade, who is trained by Todd Pletcher, also won the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs this year. Repole owns the colt along with Robert and Lawana Low.Ortiz's move left Brad Cox and Spendthrift Farm needing a rider for Further Ado. The connections have picked up the services of Hall of Famer John Velazquez. Cox also needed a rider for GI Florida Derby winner Commandment (Into Mischief), who is owned by Wathnan Racing. He has lined up Luis Saez for that mount. Commandment was ridden by Flavien Prat in the Florida Derby, but Prat is sticking with GII Louisiana Derby winner and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Emerging Market (Candy Ride ({Arg}) for trainer Chad Brown.“Spendthrift was happy to lock in Johnny Velazquez for Further Ado,” Cox said via text. “That's easy to understand given the amount of success they've had with him through the years. The same goes for Wathnan Racing and Luis Saez for Commandment.”Cox still needs a rider for GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Fulleffort (Liam's Map), who was also ridden by Ortiz in his last start. He said he is still searching for a new jockey for that colt.The post Irad Ortiz, Jr. to Ride Renegade in the Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.