Former jockey Kari François is one of the fresh talents to enter the new era of Maryland as the broadcast host for the Maryland Jockey Club.
François, 34, offers extensive knowledge of the game. She rode the Mid-Atlantic Circuit, mainly from 2015 to 2021. She also gained invaluable experience riding Australia.
François eventually turns into a broadcast, and with her ability she develops her fourth Preakness interest. She looks forward to being part of an exciting transition in that state, as she demolishes the Pimlico race course following the 150th Preakness and building a new track on its site to ensure that the Triple Crown Middle Jewel remains in Maryland at all times.
François looked to the future, weighed the triple crown style formats, and evaluated many of the top candidates of the year in a wide range of Q&A sessions held in place of America’s best races.
Pedra: Are you surprised that the winner sovereignty of the Kentucky Derby will not attempt Triple Crown?
François: I’m not surprised at all. I pay tribute to Bill Mott. He’s not going to sit there and push the horse under any range of imagination. This is a Bill show. This is not our show. Bill does what he thinks is right, and I really support it.
Pedra: If there’s still a two-week gap between Derby and Preakness, will we see this more and more?
François: It really depends on who will win the derby. This is a very case-by-case scenario.
Pedra: Do you think you’ll see a triple crown style change at some point?
François: I respect traditionalists and form for the past 90 years. I’ve been in Preakness for the last four years, so when the Derby winner comes and try, the energy changes completely. That’s extremely important. The game is now different in so many ways. Would I be upset if they stretch it out? No, not at all. Do you understand if they’re keeping up for two weeks? yes. Do I like 3 weeks? That’s very true. It’s much more incentive for the connection to do that jump. The more the public can follow that story, the better it will be for the race. Plus, it shows that our industry is doing its best for horses.
Pedra: How do you see the future of racing in Maryland?
François: I’m really excited about the future. The feeling is that Maryland is about to leave the shadows. Several new team members are making efficient decisions. Maryland’s future prosperity is a goal for a national industry. I am very excited for the future to see how Maryland creates opportunities.
Pedra: Four jockeys have made Preakness debuts. Does that lack of experience put them at a disadvantage?
François: Because they’re all doing it at the same time. When half of the field is on the first (almost) first time (and almost) field, it doesn’t bother me. Let’s do that.
Pedra: Are you confident that journalism will handle a two-week turnaround?
François: Yes, I’m very confident. (Trainer) Michael McCarthy has proven many times that he is not only a great conditioner, but also has the great ability to understand horse timing as well as journalism. At Michael, we trust here. There is absolutely no problem with this.
Pedra: What is the ideal travel for journalism?
François: I wouldn’t be surprised to see him approaching more than I saw him in the Derby. That’s the number of horses. There are few horses to deal with.
Pedra: Is Sandman better than his 7th place finish in the Derby?
François: In the end, the answer is yes. But now, “No,” he thought he would move forward in the derby. I don’t think he made an advised trip to get too much from it. I think he is still capable. But this weekend I have a lot of question marks about him.
Pedra: Hall of Fame trainer Todd Preacher usually skips Preakness. What does he meant to have targeted this race for the Thames?
François: I think the Thames River bouncing badly in the Derby. I think Todd felt he needed time. Todd made the right move as a jockey by targeting races that could be successful. I don’t think the miles and a third will be a problem for him.
Pedra: What pace do you expect?
François: a lot. If it’s an “off” track, I like goal orientation more. If it’s a fast truck, I think he might bounce back.
Pedra: What is the rating of Gosger, the winner of Stonestreet Lexington Stakes?
François: The Lexington was a really good setup for the Gosgar. Really, I think he’ll finish halfway through. This is the horse that can come at the lowest possible rate.
Pedra: Since you only have two career start, is this a seasoning that is sufficient for your goal-oriented approach?
François: He gets all the advantages (rails) of being inside it. I think that would make him wonder. I think he loves horses coming to him. He loves the dynamics and I think he’s going to get it with Preakness 150. I loved the energy and finish last time. I’m worried that this will require racing. He was tired of gallops in the mud for the first time.
Pedra: Saffie Osborne is about to become the first female jockey to achieve Preakness. Can she do that with all her heart?
François: I love this horse. I love the performance I saw last time in Meydan (the second is the Nose of the UAE Derby sponsored by Jumeirah). I’m always worried about my first North American run. They usually need race. I’m also worried about him in this Pimlico environment. The layout is very different from that of the Maidan. Certainly you have the same amount of crowd. But it’s a different type of crowd. It’s really about him adjusting to things. I really love this horse and want him to be in my top four. But we don’t know how this horse will react.
Pedra: Will 89-year-old D. Wayne Lukas win his 8th Preakness on the American Promise?
François: So who doubts Wayne Lucas? This horse needs his personal space bubble. He will probably get the opportunity with Preakness. Ultimately, I don’t think it’s coming with this horse (for Luca). Do you want to see it? absolutely.
Pedra: Can I ask you to take a long shot of the live show?
François: Pay Billy. I’m going to Maryland here, not just because he’s a Maryland native. He’s running the performance number I’m looking for. He’s in good shape. I think this horse is very surprising at 20-1.
Pedra: Would you like the top 4?
François: Journalism, Reverthams, goal orientation, and Billy’s pay. If it’s a fast track, I put Pay Billy in goal orientation.
