Reunited at Gulfstream, Ortiz brothers enjoy strong weekend

The Ortiz brothers combined to win nine races at Gulfstream Park this past weekend, five by Jose and four by Irad. Jose Ortiz captured a pair of stakes as part of a hat trick on Saturday’s card. Irad, who began riding here on a full-time basis just last Friday, posted doubles on both Saturday and Sunday.

Luis Saez continues to show the way in the jockey standings with 42 victories, eight more than Tyler Gaffalione.

Turf allowances featured

A pair of first-level optional-claiming races highlight Wednesday’s 10-race program. Both are carded for the grass, although there was rain in the forecast for the local area both Tuesday and into Wednesday. There will be a carryover of $1,464,000 in the Rainbow 6.

Nootka Sound, idle since competing in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 20, tops a field of nine 3-year-old fillies going five furlongs in the afternoon’s fourth race, with the speedy Richie’slilwildcat and impressive maiden winner Mrs. Ramona G. perhaps her two chief rivals.

California invader Phantom Opening may be favored making her local debut at 7 1/2 furlongs in the ninth event, with main-track-only entrant No Sweat the one to beat if the race is switched from the turf to the dirt.

◗ Multiple graded stakes winner Curlin’s Approval looked sharp working a very easy five furlongs in 1:00.52 here on Monday. Curlin’s Approval is being pointed toward the Grade 2 Hurricane Bertie on the Jan. 27 Pegasus undercard.