Saratoga: Velazquez ties Bailey victory mark

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - When John Velazquez guided White Rose to a three-quarter-length victory in Thursday's sixth race, it was his 693rd career victory at Saratoga, tying Jerry Bailey for the most wins at this historic track.

Velazquez also won Thursday's second on Corfu and fifth on Our Amazing Rose - both 2-year-old first-time starters trained by Todd Pletcher.

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Velazquez, who has ridden close to 4,200 mounts at the Spa, wasn't overly impressed by tying the record. Angel Cordero, Velazquez's mentor and agent, rode 649 winners - third all-time. Jerry Bailey won his 693 races in 3,381 mounts.

"It doesn't fit in the same category as when Angel was here riding 24 days a meet," Velazquez said. "Jerry and I got to ride with more racing days and more races. We definitely [are in] a different category than when Angel was here. But it's good."