LOUISVILLE – It’s been a tough week for jockey John Velazquez, who was scheduled to ride two of the top choices for today’s $1 million Kentucky Oaks and tomorrow’s $2 million Kentucky Derby – R Heat Lightning and Uncle Mo, respectively – both of which were scratched for physical problems.

But Johnny V. will still ride in both races, replacing Robby Albarado on longshots Bouquet Booth in the Oaks and on Animal Kingdom in the Derby. Albarado suffered a broken nose and laceration of his forehead when his mount tossed him before Wednesday’s third race at Churchill Downs, sidelining him for the big weekend.