12/05/2011 5:40PM

Aqueduct: Alvarado ready to ride in New York year-round

By David Grening
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Adam Coglianese/NYRA
Junior Alvarado's fast start at Aqueduct's winter meet included a win aboard C C's Pal in the Garland of Roses.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – When Junior Alvarado came to Aqueduct last winter it was strictly to ride the winter meet. Now, the 25-year-old rider wants to make New York his permanent home.

Alvarado has certainly endeared himself to horsemen and handicappers alike since returning to New York from Chicago this fall. After winning 12 races from 65 mounts over Aqueduct’s main track, Alvarado rode 11 winners from his first 35 mounts during the opening week of the inner track stand. The week included stakes wins aboard C C’s Pal in Saturday’s Garland of Roses and Swag Daddy in Sunday’s Damon Runyon.

“It’s great. I can’t complain,’’ said Alvarado, who had three multiple-win days.

Alvarado won four races on Sunday’s card. He really impressed trainer Chad Brown with his winning ride aboard American Buffalo in a maiden race for New York-bred colts on the turf. Last early, Alvarado was content to be patient while saving ground. He got his mount to split horses to gain contention down the backside, and then waited again before splitting horses in the stretch and drawing off to win by two lengths.

“Unbelievable ride,’’ Brown said from Florida, where he watched the race on television. “This guy went through every tight space there was the entire race. I was really impressed how patient he was riding that horse. He was so determined to save ground and take the shortest route home and he didn’t hesitate. He’s very a very well spoken and polite young man. He’s definitely on my short list of people to use all winter for sure.’’

Alvarado is represented by agent Mike Sellitto, who has handled many top riders, including Jose Santos, Richard Migliore, Kent Desormeaux, and Edgar Prado. Though Sellitto usually goes to Florida for the winter he needed to stay in New York to be close to his doctors. Sellitto has undergone three major heart surgeries the past few years.

“I’ve been looking for a new rider since Kent and I split in the spring,’’ Sellitto said. “This kid is the whole package. All he needed was the right agent. He’s going to compete here year-round.’’