Jockey Velazquez making New York cameo

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez is scheduled to make his 2018 New York debut Sunday when he is named to ride Empire Line in the $100,000 Gander Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds at Aqueduct.

Velazquez is based during the winter at Gulfstream Park, where he has won 33 races from 136 mounts.

Velazquez rode Empire Line to a maiden victory in his debut here Dec. 1. Eric Cancel rode Empire Line to a nose victory over Evaluator in the Damon Runyon Stakes on Jan. 15. Cancel is sidelined due to a back injury.

Empire Line will again face Evaluator, who will have blinkers on for this rematch. Also entered in the Gander were Beyond Honor, Gio d’Oro, and Nine Route.

Also on Sunday’s card is the $100,000 Broadway Stakes for New York-bred fillies and mares at six furlongs. Picco Uno, runner-up to Quezon in the Garland of Roses, heads the field that also includes Startwithsilver, Sandy Belle, Shimmering Moon, Bee Noteworthy, Bree’s Got Heart, and Frosty Margarita.

◗ There will be live racing here Monday, President’s Day, with the feature being the $100,000 Hollie Hughes for New York-bred male sprinters.