Castellano Nears Century Mark at Gulfstream

Javier Castellano rode a pair of winners on Thursday’s program at Gulfstream Park to move within one victory of reaching the 100-win mark for the fourth consecutive Championship Meet.

Well on his way to winning an unprecedented fourth straight riding title at Gulfstream’s prestigious meet, Castellano set a record of 132 winners last year on the way to snaring his second straight Eclipse Award as North America’s top jockey. He became the first jockey to reach the milestone with 112 visits to the winner’s circle in 2011-2012 before earning 100 wins in 2012-3013.

Castellano's quest for 100 will be delayed until Sunday. He, Edgar Prado and Jose Lezcano -- three of Gulfstream's top 10 riders -- were scheduled to leave Thursday evening for Saudi Arabia.

The three riders are slated to compete in Riyadh this weekend in the King Abdulaziz Cup (G1) for 3-year-olds.

"We leave (Thursday night) and should be there (Friday) night after stopping in London," said Castellano, who left open the possibility of returning home in time to ride some of the later races Sunday afternoon.

Who’s Hot: Javier Castellano scored aboard Doinwhatshelikes ($4.80) in the first and Hellenistic ($7) in the sixth.

Rainbow 6 Payoff: $1,079,444.22

Source: Gulfstream Park