On Saturday's program at Gulfstream Park, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. achieved remarkable feats. He not only provided his fifth winner but also swept the stakes. One of his victories came in the $140,000 Tropical Park Derby with the horse Cugino. Three races earlier, Ortiz guided See You Around to victory in the $140,000 Tropical Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. This showcases Ortiz's exceptional skills and the horses' capabilities.

Ortiz's Gratitude and Perspective

Ortiz expressed his gratitude for the opportunities to ride such nice horses. He said, "It feels great just to have the opportunity to ride these kinds of horses, nice horses like today and all week. I like to ride any horses, claiming horses, I don’t really care. I’m just happy to ride." He also emphasized the support he receives from trainers and owners, stating, "The trainers and owners give me the right opportunities and support me big time. I just thank God to keep me healthy and be able to keep doing what I love."

The Tropical Park Derby

In the $140,000 Tropical Park Derby, Cugino ($5.40), owned by West Point Throughbreds and Jimmy Cahig, needed a perfectly executed ride from Ortiz to prevail by a neck over late-rallying, 40-1 outsider Full Nelson. Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey described the ride, saying, "He got him in position on the first turn. I liked the way he was able to wait, and when the hole opened, he really kicked." Cugino broke cleanly from post 10 in the 12-horse event and Ortiz deftly dropped the son of Twirling Candy to the rail in sixth. He was behind pacesetting Fidelightcayut, who was stalked to his outside by Silent Heart, the even-money favorite. Fidelightcayut set solid fractions of 22.51 and 46.73 seconds and continued to lead on the far turn. Édgar Pérez asked Silent Heart for his run on the turn into the homestretch, and the Brian Lynch trainee responded to take the lead at the top of the stretch. Ortiz bided his time, waiting for a hole to open. Silent Heart appeared on his way to victory when that gap finally opened for Cugino in mid-stretch. Ortiz swung off the rail, and he surged through the late yards to eke out a victory while holding Full Nelson safe. Cugino ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:39.32 over firm turf.

Ortiz's Successful Day

Ortiz had an incredibly successful day. In addition to winning the Tropical Park Derby, he also won against allowance company on Julee’s Legacy, in a maiden race on Vassimo and in a claiming race on Swan Lake. He finished the day on a four-race winning streak, demonstrating his consistent excellence.