Zayas scores with first mount in Jewel Princess

Jockey Edgard Zayas was a stakes winner with his first mount back Saturday at Gulfstream Park, where he guided Josdesanimaux to a neck win over Katie’s Kiss in the $150,000 Jewel Princess division of the Florida Sire Stakes.

Zayas was riding in a race for the first time since fracturing his left collarbone July 17. He underwent surgery for the injury and received clearance to return to the saddle in late August.

Josdesanimaux ($4.40) broke last of all in the Jewel Princess, a one-mile race for 3-year-old fillies run on “good” turf, as Katie’s Kiss jumped out to the front and led through fractions of 24.93 seconds for the opening quarter, 50.18 for the half-mile, and 1:15.17 for six furlongs. Josdesanimaux advanced on the final turn and put in a determined bid in the stretch to catch Katie’s Kiss and win in 1:42.46.

“I did get a little worried that I wasn't going to get there,” Zayas said. “But I felt good. I've been working for two weeks. I've been feeling good, and it felt even better to come back in the winner's circle.”

Chad Brown trains Josdesanimaux for her breeder, Palm Beach Racing Partnership. Josdesanimaux is a daughter of Leroidesanimaux and was winning her second straight race, following up on a first-level allowance win at Belmont Park.

Zayas had been tied atop the Gulfstream standings at the time of his injury. Earlier in the meet, he won the Grade 2 Smile Sprint.