Laurel: Cruz to ride at Tampa Bay this winter

Following the Thanksgiving Day card at Laurel Park, jockey Angel Cruz will head to Tampa Bay Downs for the winter.

Cruz, 21, grew up in West Virginia. He began his career at Charles Town but has ridden extensively in Maryland and New York. He was an Eclipse Award finalist for top apprentice rider in 2014.

Cruz will be represented at Tampa Bay Downs by Chris Pipito, his agent the past nine months.

“It’s an opportunity for him to expand his business and ride for some new outfits,” Pipito said. “We’ll ride for Graham Motion and some other Mid-Atlantic people while at the same time hopefully get to know some of the Kentucky outfits better.”

Cruz has won 307 races. He is 71 for 487 (14 percent) this year.

◗ Laurel Park will race this Monday to make up for the wind-related cancellation on Nov. 20.