Ortiz makes victorious return

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – It took only two mounts for jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. to return to the Saratoga winner’s circle as he booted Malibu Spirit ($28.20) home first in Sunday’s second race.

Ortiz has won the Saratoga riding title each of the last four years and seven times overall. He missed the first six days of the meet, five due to suspensions and one because he rode Saturday at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Through the first two weeks of the meet, Flavien Prat leads all riders with 15 wins. Jose Ortiz is second with 14.

Irad Ortiz will miss another day at Saratoga on Saturday, as he will be at Monmouth Park – along with Prat – to ride on the Haskell card.

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