Hernandez making hay at first Gulfstream meet

Brian Hernandez Jr. didn’t know what to expect in his first meet at Gulfstream Park.

“Coming in new at a meet as tough as this, you really don’t know what to think,” said Hernandez. “But so far, it’s been great.”

From his first 35 mounts, Hernandez rode seven winners, good for a tie for sixth in the jockey standings at the south Florida track. Through Thursday, his $3.02 ROI (for every $2 win bet) was highest among riders with at least 20 mounts.

Hernandez, 33, has become a top rider in recent years in his adopted home state of Kentucky, but until now his winters had been spent at Fair Grounds in his native Louisiana. Several of his top outfits – Ian Wilkes, Rusty Arnold, Kenny McPeek, and Mike Tomlinson – suggested to Hernandez that he give Gulfstream a try.

“Winning races like we have has been exciting because other people take notice, and you can gain momentum,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll keep it going. It sure has been enjoyable so far.”

Hernandez had his third riding double of the meet Thursday when booting home Miss Accuse ($4.20) for Tomlinson and Rose Tree ($6) for Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard.

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