Musical saddles continue for Game On Dude

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (Sports Network) - Game On Dude will be getting a new jockey for his upcoming start in the Pacific Classic on Sunday, Aug. 25. Trainer Bob Baffert has secured the services of Joel Rosario.

The mount became available with Mike Smith riding the same day at Saratoga. Rosario gets the mount on the 6-year-old gelding although he won the race last year aboard Dullahan who will be back to defend his victory.

"I had an opportunity to ride Dullahan or a real good Mark Casse horse (Delegation) coming in from Canada," said Ron Anderson, agent for Rosario. "But Game On Dude may be the best horse in the country and I would think he'd be a huge favorite (for the Classic)."

Last year, Game On Dude was ridden in the 1 1/4-mile Classic by Chantal Sutherland who lost the mount after finishing second to Dullahan. Hall of Fame jockey Smith has been aboard the gelding most recently.

Dullahan's trainer, Dale Romans, said he will name a rider for the 4-year-old shortly.

"No one monkey stops my show," Romans said.

Game On Dude won the Hollywood Gold Cup in his most recent start to go along with wins this year in the San Antonio Stakes, Santa Anita Handicap and Charles Town Classic.

In 26 career starts, Game On Dude has won 14 times and banked $5,002,158.