Hernandez to ride at Ellis

Colby Hernandez, the second-leading rider in North America in wins this year, is named on four mounts Saturday at Ellis in starting what will be several weeks of action in Kentucky.

Hernandez, 26, normally rides in Louisiana, but with Evangeline Downs having closed its meet, “Colby wanted to visit with his brother [jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.] and hopefully build some business for when Fair Grounds starts in November,” said agent Anthony Martin.

Through Tuesday, Hernandez trailed only Javier Castellano in wins, 239-235. Antonio Gallardo is next with 233.

◗ Veteran jockey Jesus Castanon said he is hopeful of returning to the saddle within the next few days after recently visiting his family in Mexico while sidelined with another tailbone injury. Castanon has incurred essentially the same injury twice this summer, the most recent one coming in an Aug. 16 spill at Ellis.

◗ It’ll be Barkley vs. Barkley when the sixth race is run Saturday at Ellis, with dad Jeff sending out New Found King and son Jason saddling Stonecrusher. Jeff has 123 wins in two decades of training, while Jason, who took out his license this summer, is seeking a career first.