Belmont Park: Castellano has five-win day

ELMONT, N.Y. – Though he was second-best in the Grade 1 Man o’ War Stakes, jockey Javier Castellano enjoyed a huge Saturday, winning five races at Belmont Park.

Castellano’s five wins brought his meet total to 72, and he will win his first Belmont spring-summer-meet riding title after runner-up finishes to Ramon Dominguez in each of the last three years. Junior Alvarado, who has 55 wins entering Sunday’s closing-day card, will finish second in the standings.

Castellano won with his first four rides, taking the opener on Little Gabby Girl ($15.80), the third on Assured Victory ($7.70), the fourth on Love Stanza Chance ($9), and the fifth on Last Run ($26.40). All but Love Stanza Chance were for trainer Bruce Brown.

After finishing fourth in the sixth race on River Tune and fourth in the $100,000 Solar Splendor Stakes on the favored Noble Tune, Castellano got back to the winner’s circle on Mississippi Duel ($8.10) in the eighth.

Castellano had three chances to add to his total but finished second on Twilight Eclipse in the Man o’ War, seventh on 2-1 favorite Swiss Tart in the 10th, and second on Fiddlers Chico in the nightcap.

“I was very fortunate to win five races today,” Castellano said. “Great meet. All the trainers gave me support.”

Castellano, who was named on four horses on Sunday’s card, now will set his sights on his first Saratoga riding title when that meet opens Friday.