Red hot rider looks to win million dollar race

Rosie Napravnik rides Shanghai Bobby in Florida Derby on Saturday

NEW ORLEANS – A sizzling redhead says she's ready to punch her ticket to the Kentucky Derby.

Rosie Napravnik is riding Shanghai Bobby in the $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.

Local 10's Jacey Birch traveled to New Orleans to spend the day with Napravnik at the Fairgrounds race track.

Napravnik started in the steeplechase circuit and turned pro before she was even out of high school.

"I actually have been involved with horses my entire life, since before I can remember," said Napravnik. "I was seven years old when I rode in my first pony race."

Napravnik, 25, has already won more than 200 races, including the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks and Grade 1 Breeders Cup Juvenile.

She will attempt to win another Grade 1 on Shanghai Bobby in the Florida Derby. Napravnik teamed with Shanghai Bobby to win the Juvenile in November.

"I ride anywhere from three to twelve races a day, so it's a grueling schedule but it's so much fun," said Napravnik. "I guess I've made it but there's still a lot more I want to accomplish."