Jockey Alan Garcia, who won the 2008 Belmont Stakes with Da' Tara, said on Saturday that he plans to winter at Oaklawn Park. The meet opens in January. Garcia said it will be the first time he has been based at Oaklawn.

Garcia is currently riding at Woodbine, where he ranks ninth in the standings. Garcia said the timing of the Oaklawn meet works well with his schedule, as Woodbine closes its season Dec. 10. 

"The timing is perfect," said Garcia, 33. "There's time to get a little break."

Garcia said after Woodbine closes he plans to go on vacation with his family then will start getting on horses at Oaklawn around Jan. 2-3. The meet opens Jan. 12. 

Garcia said there were other reasons Oaklawn was an appealing option. 

"I have some people who are giving me an opportunity to ride for them," he said. 

Garcia said Donnie Richardson will represent him at Oaklawn. 

Aside from the Belmont Stakes, other major wins for Garcia include the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf in 2007 with Lahudood, the Metropolitan Handicap in 2008 with Divine Park and the Donn Handicap in 2009 with Albertus Maximus. He's won 1,658 races in North America, with mount earnings of more than $87 million.