Darien Rodriguez

Born: September 24, 1979 | Birthplace: Santa Clara, Cuba | Residence: Tampa, FL

First Win: 2010, Down in Front, Suffolk Downs | Started Training: Suffolk Downs, 2010 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Monmouth Park, Parx Racing, Mid-Atlantic

Rodriguez derives satisfaction in working with a mid-size stable of 12-15 horses, believing it gives him a better opportunity to give each the individual attention they need to reach their potential. With a strike rate of about 25 percent winners since joining the training ranks in 2010, his plan seems to be working. Before going out on his own, Rodriguez worked as an exercise rider for successful conditioners Leigh Delacour, Miguel Feliciano and Mike Zwiesler. He continues to gallop his charges, believing it gives him a “leg up” against the competition. “I have it in my mind how a horse is going to gallop, and if he doesn’t feel the way I want him to, it forces me to change my mind and find out what’s going on,” Rodriguez said. “I also like to ride them for their final breeze before a race. It lets me see how they’re feeling, and if I’m not happy about how they work, we’ll skip the race and find something else.” As a result, bettors know they can expect Rodriguez to bring over a fit horse, and over the last two seasons his methods helped him win 30 races from 120 starts. Rodriguez performed a masterful training job during the 2018-2019 meeting with 4-year-old Florida-bred filly Crown and Sugar, who capped a five-race winning streak by capturing the Florida Cup Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes. Rodriguez enjoyed an unforgettable day on April 2, 2017, two days after the birth of his son Tihago. His 4-year-old colt Tiger Blood won the Florida Cup Hilton Garden Inn Sprint under jockey Pablo Morales in 1:08.92, .25 seconds off the 6-furlong stakes and track record. Tiger Blood had won the Pelican Stakes in his previous start. Rodriguez came to the United States from Cuba at 16.