Joe Labozzetta Photo

Jose Ortiz, Rodriguez, Midwest Thoroughbreds win Big A spring meet titles

by Jenny Kellner

Jockey Jose Ortiz and trainer Rudy Rodriguez wrapped up Aqueduct Racetrack's spring season with their second and third straight individual meet titles, respectively, while Midwest Thoroughbreds emerged as the leading owner for the 19-day run.

Ortiz, who had won the 2015-16 inner track championship, rode 37 winners of more than $2 million for the meet, edging his older brother, runner-up Irad Ortiz, Jr., by eight wins.

Among Jose Ortiz's biggest victories in April were the Grade 3, $300,000 Bay Shore with Unified, the Grade 3, $200,000 Excelsior with Kid Cruz, the Grade 3, $200,000 Top Flight Invitational Handicap with Carrumba, the $100,000 Plenty of Grace aboard Mrs McDougal and the $100,000 Danger's Hour with Macagone.

Rodriguez, who had also won the 2015 Aqueduct fall main track training title in addition to topping the 2015-16 inner track meet trainer standings, saddled 14 winners from 61 starters with earnings of nearly $680,000. Finishing tied for second with 10 winners each were David Jacobson, and Danny Gargan, who was 10-2-1 from 18 starters for a win percentage of 55.56 percent.

Midwest Thoroughbreds had eight winners, with David Jacobson finishing second with seven and Michael Dubb and Mike Repole tied for third with six each.

Thoroughbred action continues on Friday when Belmont Park opens for its 54-day spring/summer meet, highlighted by the three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival featuring the 148th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on June 11.

First race post time is 1:30 p.m., with admission gates opening at 11:30 a.m.