Gulfstream Park
Irad Ortiz Jr. new rider for Catholic Boy
Barbara D. Livingston Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride Sea Calisi in next weekend's Sheepshead Bay.
Irad Ortiz Jr. will be the new rider when 3-year-old Catholic Boy runs in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 31 at Gulfstream Park, John Panagot, racing manager for majority owner Robert LaPenta, said Monday.
Catholic Boy had been ridden in his last four starts by Manny Franco.
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Catholic Boy, winner of the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct last fall at age 2, was second in the Sam F. Davis Stakes last month at Tampa Bay Downs in his only start so far at 3. The Florida Derby will be his final start before a desired berth in the Kentucky Derby on May 5.
Jonathan Thomas trains Catholic Boy, who has won three times in five starts.
