Longshot Leo Salles making bettors, horsemen take notice

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Jockey Leo Salles made quite a splash here last Friday when he guided three longshots to victory on the seven-race card, including the 70-1 bomb Tale of Vienna.

They weren’t the first outsiders on which he’s scored at the meet, and the nickname “Longshot Leo” has caught on. He won a $25,000 claimer aboard the struggling dropper Carmenootz at 9-1 on the Tapeta on July 7. Last Sunday on the grass, he recorded a front-running allowance score on Carmenootz, who paid $34 and earned a career-high 93 Beyer Speed Figure.

Through Sunday, Salles had won on 12 of 112 mounts at the meet. His return on investment was a fat $3.68.

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Salles, 25, said he has ridden all over the world since leaving his native Brazil, including Macau, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia. He hails from the same home town as perennial leading Woodbine rider Eurico Da Silva, Sao Paulo, which is Brazil’s largest city.

“I came to the U.S. last year, and I heard very well about Canada,” Salles said. “Eurico is the top jockey in Canada. So I thought why not try [Woodbine]. It’s hard to say, but I believe I can be a new generation of Eurico.”

Salles said he came here for the final two months of the 2018 meet to test the waters. He decided to return for the entire meet this year, while accompanied by his Japanese wife, Shikoa. His agent, Pram Seebah, also represents apprentice Daisuke Fukumoto.

“I really like Woodbine,” Salles said. “All the Canadian people are so nice. I want to stay here. I’ve already organized all of my papers. The track is amazing. I really like the Tapeta. I love the inside turf. The corners are a little tight, [which suits] my style. I’ve been improving and learning every day. I’m very happy over here, and I believe I can do even better.”

Even though he’s had ample success on speed horses, Salles said his strength is coming from off the pace.

“Last Friday, I won two in front, but I have a strong finish, so I like to stay more behind and to finish strong,” Salles said. “But it depends on the horse. If the horse [has speed], I can be early.”

Salles said he plans to go abroad again after the Woodbine meet concludes Dec. 15.

“I have two loves in my life – riding horses and learning new things,” Salles said. “In the winter, I have free time to discover new things. I have plans next winter to go back to Asia to ride in Singapore.”