Jose Ortiz riding in Saudi Arabia this week

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Jose Ortiz, the leading rider at Aqueduct’s inner-track meet, will miss the next three racing days here to ride in Saudi Arabia, according to agent Jim Riccio Jr.

Ortiz will be at King Abdulaziz Race Course to ride Leeman in the $600,000 King Abdulaziz Cup. Leeman has won six consecutive races and could be vying for a spot in the $10 million Dubai World Cup next month at Meydan.

“Alan Garcia called me about coming over, we got a decent offer, and if he does well, he might run in Dubai,” Riccio said. “Jose’s excited; he’s never ridden there before.”

Ortiz was scheduled to leave Tuesday and should be back to ride Sunday’s Aqueduct card.

Ortiz’s absence could open the door for his brother Irad to gain ground on him in the race for the riding title at the inner-track meet. Jose leads Irad 60-56 entering the final 19 days of the inner-track season.

Meanwhile, Dylan Davis will return to the saddle Thursday for the first time in 39 days when he rides Awesome Bill in the third race, a $14,000 claiming event.

Davis injured his shoulder in a three-horse spill at Aqueduct on Jan. 17. Davis has ridden five winners from 69 mounts at this meet.