Chelsea Durand / NYRA Photo

Irad Ortiz, Jr. posts six-win day on Saturday’s Wood Memorial card

by Ryan Martin

Fresh off earning a leading rider title at Gulfstream Park this winter, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. returned to New York in style, notching six wins of Saturday’s 11-race Wood Memorial program at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Ortiz, Jr., 28, flourished in stakes action, piloting Grade 3, $200,000 Bay Shore-winner Drain the Clock [$2.70] and Grade 3, $250,000 Gazelle-winner Search Results, [$2.80] as well as Mischevious Alex [$3.70], who won the Grade 1, $300,000 Carter Handicap.

Ortiz, Jr. also made trips to the Big A winner’s circle aboard Great Workout [Race 3, $3.60], Flighty Lady [Race 7, $3.40], and Michael’s Bad Boy [Race 11, $3.90].

The six-win day doubled Ortiz, Jr.’s victories [12] through the first three days of the 11-day Aqueduct spring meet.

“It’s been great. I keep getting a lot of support from my people,” Ortiz, Jr. “It feels great to be back. I got four winners on Thursday, two yesterday and six more today. I’m very thankful for all the support.”

Three of the six wins were for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., who sent out Drain the Clock, Mischevious Alex and Michael’s Bad Boy.

“He’s a great trainer. He does a good job with his horses,” Ortiz, Jr. said. “He’s been getting some better horses and having the chance to train them.”

Ortiz, Jr. tops the Big A spring meet jockey standings with 12 wins, six clear of his brother, Jose Ortiz.