Jose Ortiz kicks off move to Kentucky with Jeff Ruby card
Turfway Park press release by Kevin Kerstein (Grace Clark photo of Jose Ortiz)
FLORENCE, Ky. (Tuesday, March 19, 2024) – Jockey Jose Ortiz is named to ride eight races Saturday at Turfway Park and, after Jeff Ruby Steaks Day, fans in Kentucky will begin to see his name regularly in the program as he’s slated to ride full-time this spring at Keeneland and Churchill Downs.
For many years the 2017 Eclipse Award-winning jockey has been a regular rider on the New York circuit during the spring and summer but this will be the first time he’ll remain in Kentucky. Agent Steve Rushing, who also take the calls for Ortiz’ Eclipse Award-winning brother Irad Ortiz Jr., will continue to have his book in Kentucky. (In a text, Rushing said Jose Ortiz is moving permanently to Kentucky but will ride at Saratoga in the summer before returning for Kentucky Downs, where he won the 2018 and 2019 titles.)
Among Ortiz’ many mounts Saturday is Sam F. Davis (Grade III) runner-up Agate Road in the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Listed at 4-1 on the morning line odds, Agate Road was cross-entered in Saturday’s TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) at Fair Grounds but Pletcher stated he’s, “leaning towards” running the son of Quality Road at Turfway. Other notable mounts for Ortiz Saturday at Turfway include Wolfie’s Dynaghost in the $300,000 TwinSpires Kentucky Cup Classic (GIII) and Blue Eyed George in the $250,000 Rushaway.
Ortiz will make a brief return to Florida following Jeff Ruby Steaks Day but will be back to Kentucky when Keeneland’s Spring Meet begins Friday, April 5.
TRAVIS STONE SPECIAL GUEST HANDICAPPER AT TURFWAY PARK FOR JEFF RUBY STEAKS DAY – The voice of the Kentucky Derby, Travis Stone, will be a special guest handicapping analyst on the Turfway Park simulcast signal for Saturday’s Jeff Ruby Steaks Day. Stone, who’s been the voice of the Kentucky Derby since 2015, will join Turfway Park racing analyst Kaitlin Free from the Jeff Ruby VIP Ballroom at Turfway Park. Stone and Free will preview each of the 13 races to those in attendance along with fans watching on the Turfway Park simulcast feed. The show will start around 12:15 p.m. (all times Eastern), first post is 12:45 p.m.
As always, Turfway Park announcer Tony Calo will call all the action on Jeff Ruby Steaks Day. The feed will also include analysis and selections from handicapper Scott Shapiro. Fans can watch all the action from Jeff Ruby Steaks Day on the Churchill Downs LIVE app on smart TVs and by logging on to www.TwinSpires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Kentucky Derby.
FINAL FLORENCE FURLONG – Defending TwinSpires Kentucky Cup Classic winner Wolfie’s Dynaghostwas back on the work tab Monday at Turfway with a swift half-mile move in :47.40. “I think the mile-and-an-eighth is probably as far as he wants to go,” trainer Jonathan Thomas stated about the distance for the Kentucky Cup Classic. “It’s a tough spot off the layoff but he loves it here at Turfway.” … Alpine Princess, one of the top competitors in the Bourbonette Oaks, arrived at Turfway Monday to begin her preparation for Saturday’s race. TheBrad Cox trainee was also cross-entered in Saturday’s Fair Grounds Oaks (GII). … Past performances for Saturday’s Jeff Ruby Steaks Day are scheduled to go final Wednesday morning. … For more information and to purchase tickets for Saturday’s Jeff Ruby Steaks Day, visit www.turfway.com.
