Ortiz is out for weekend, Lopez takes Tropical Turf mount

Irad Ortiz Jr. will not ride Saturday or Sunday at Gulfstream Park due to a minor knee injury, the jockey’s agent Steve Rushing confirmed to Horse Racing Nation.

“Off his mounts today and tomorrow,” Rushing said in a text message.

The news was first reported by Marty McGee of the Daily Racing Form. Ortiz was injured when his ride in the fourth race Friday at Gulfstream reared in the gate and was scratched from the race.

Ortiz also took off his final two mounts of the day Friday. He is expected to be back Wednesday.

Ortiz was scheduled to ride in all 11 races Saturday, including the $100,000 Tropical Turf (G3), where he was set to be aboard morning line favorite Value Proposition. He also had eight rides scheduled for Sunday.

Trainer Chad Brown told HRN in a text message that Paco Lopez will be in the irons aboard Value Proposition.

Ortiz is entered for eight races Wednesday. He recently returned from a 30-day suspension given in New York for careless riding.

The three-time Eclipse Award winner has four wins at the current Gulfstream meet.