LOUISVILLE, Ky. >> In the male-dominated world of horse racing, Anna Rose Napravnik figured she’d have better luck if nobody noticed a woman’s name in the track program.

She started out her career disguising her gender, riding under the initials A.R. Napravnik.

Nine years later, Rosie Napravnik is one of the rising stars in the sport, having long ago discarded her ruse. Now the 26-year-old from New Jersey will try to make even bigger history and become the first woman to ride a Kentucky Derby winner.

She’s achieved firsts before. She was the first woman to win the Louisiana Derby, and did it twice. She also was the highest-placing female rider in the Kentucky Derby.