The year was 2006 and Ron Anderson, agent to the stars, was trying to determine his next move following the retirement of Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey.

Although he had been contacted by a number of prominent riders seeking his services, nothing felt quite right. Then Julio Canani, a trainer based on the West Coast, called.

“J.C., what’s up?” Anderson said.

“Somebody here needs to talk to you,” Canani replied.

While the Road to the Kentucky Derby series features some of the nation’s most well-known races at famous racetracks, there are a few stops along the way tailored for the little guys.