OBS Championship Races Set for March 11

Monday, a ‘dark day’ on the Gulfstream Park schedule, will not be a day off for more than a half-dozen jockeys based at Gulfstream as they and a number of horses based at South Florida tracks and training centers will be in Ocala to participate in the four OBS Championship stakes races for 3-year-olds worth a total of $300,000 to be run at the Ocala Training Center.

Jockey John Velazquez is named to ride Gary Barber’s Jack Milton for trainer Todd Pletcher in the $100,000 OBS Championship for Colts & Geldings at 1 1/16 miles after the son of War Front won his debut on turf at Gulfstream on Jan. 12 and finished second in an allowance over the course on Feb. 9.

Rosario is named to ride Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s Brazilian in that race after breaking his maiden by 19 ½ lengths last out going a mile at Gulfstream on Jan. 30 for a $50,000 claiming tag and no takers. The Harlan’s Holiday gelding was claimed by the Ramseys and Maker for $50,000 from his previous start on Dec. 29.

Other jockeys making the day trip to Ocala include Edgar Prado, Joe Rocco. Jr., Manoel Cruz, Patrick Husbands and Juan Leyva. Other trainers shipping horses for the OBS races include Mark Casse, Tom Albertrani, Eddie Plesa, Jr., Bill Kaplan, Steve DiMauro, Josie Carroll and Donna Green.