Castellano once again quick from the gate at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano enjoyed such a fast start to the Keeneland spring meet in April that he nearly won the riding title with 14 winners, even after missing the last eight dates.

Well, Castellano is at it again. Through the opening weekend, he leads all jockeys with seven wins and $904,654 in mount earnings.

“This is one of the best places in the world,” said Castellano. “I’ve had a lot of opportunity and been very lucky and fortunate. I just try to put the horses in the right place at the right time and be patient and have some confidence in them and myself.”

Jose Ortiz, second in wins (five) and earnings ($869,861), also had an outstanding first three days and actually could have pushed ahead of Castellano in the latter category if heavily favored Elate had won the Spinster on Sunday.

Both jockeys will leave for their New York base before the meet ends Oct. 26, according to their agents. Castellano rides through Oct. 17 and Ortiz through Oct. 18.