Jose Ortiz starts week with four- and three-win cards

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Jose Ortiz began this week at Gulfstream with more wins in two days than most jockeys net in an entire week. Ortiz booted home four winners on an eight-race Wednesday card and three more on a nine-race Thursday program as he continues to ride in peak form.

Ortiz, 28, was a very late arrival to the meet after initially intending to stay home in New York with his family to ride throughout the winter at Aqueduct. The four-month championship meet began Dec. 3, and he didn’t start riding here until Jan. 26.

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He certainly has made up for lost time. Through Thursday, he has 55 wins from 208 mounts, which had him tied for fourth in the meet standings behind Luis Saez (106 wins). Ortiz’s win percentage (26) and $2-win ROI ($2.51) lead all jockeys at the meet with at least 80 mounts.

◗ Nominations are due Sunday for the 10 stakes to be run here April 2, led by the Grade 1 Florida Derby. Simplification and White Abbario are among the 3-year-olds confirmed for the Florida Derby, with Smile Happy, In Due Time, and Emmanuel among those pegged as possible for the 1 1/8-mile race by their respective connections.

◗ Mike McDaniel, who was hired last month as the new coach of the Miami Dolphins, made a winner’s circle presentation following the last race Thursday. McDaniel was in attendance with some of his staff.

◗ The $75,000 Texas Glitter for 3-year-olds and $75,000 Melody of Colors for 3-year-old fillies will serve as co-features next Saturday at Gulfstream. Both will be run at five furlongs on the turf.