Cauthen Wants All of Arazi’s Mounts

If Arazi runs in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, jockey Steve Cauthen wants to be along for the ride.

Cauthen is Arazi’s regular rider when the 3-year-old colt races in Europe; Pat Valenzuela gets the mount in the United States.

But Cauthen, who rode Arazi to his first victory in six months on Sunday at Longchamp, said he deserves to be aboard the one-time wonder horse for the Breeders’ Cup on Oct. 31 at Gulfstream Park.

“There is every chance I will ride him,” Cauthen said, even though trainer Francois Boutin has not announced where Arazi will race next. “I am expecting them to realize it is probably the right thing to do. I have done a lot of work with the horse.

“He felt great on Sunday, and I am very pleased for Francois Boutin, who has been under a lot of pressure.”

Using different riders was a deal between owners Allen Paulson and Sheik Mohammed.

Valenzuela rode Arazi to his brilliant victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year, but was criticized for his ride in the Kentucky Derby, in which the colt finished eighth.