St. Julien takes ride into Derby history.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. _ Marlon St. Julien will make history on Saturday even if he doesn't win the Kentucky Derby.

St. Julien, who rides the longshot Curule, will try to become the first black jockey to win the Derby since James Winkfield did so on Alan-a-Dale in 1902.

The last black jockey to ride in the Derby was Henry King, who finished 10th with Planet in 1921.

``It was a last-minute thing; I really didn't expect it,'' said St. Julien, who found out about the riding assignment Wednesday. ``It's like a dream come true for me.''

St. Julien, 28, is an accomplished jockey, having won the riding title at Lone Star Park in Texas last year. He …