Ortiz right back on top with Unbridled Stakes win aboard Dr Post
Irad Ortiz Jr. proved solid off the layoff Saturday at Gulfstream Park, where he won on his first three mounts back from time away during the COVID-19 pandemic, then put in a workmanlike performance to win the afternoon’s featured $75,000 Unbridled Stakes for 3-year-olds.
Under even-money favorite Dr Post, Ortiz Jr. had to take up a bit before the far turn, positioning the Quality Road colt outside and in the clear. Then he got busy, with Dr Post making an extended rally through the wire looking much the best in the end — but only after the back-to-back Eclipse Award-winning rider put him in the right spot.
“He was able to overcome all that and in the end came to the wire with his ears pricked,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “That’s exciting.”
Campaigned by St. Elias Stable, Dr Post entered the Unbridled off a March 29 maiden victory second out at Gulfstream. He made that start off a layoff dating back to a fourth-place effort on debut last July at Belmont Park.
Ortiz Jr., who voluntarily sat out much of the last month citing the health of his children and pregnant wife, also won Races 4-6, his first three mounts since announcing his hiatus the evening of March 19.
“It feels great to be back and doing what I love," the jockey said. "It feels really good coming right back to the winner’s circle. I thank the owners and the trainers for the confidence and for giving me the opportunity to ride their horses.”
Behind the winner, Attachment Rate, who Ortiz Jr. drove between for the lead in the stretch, ran on for second. Pace-setting Americanus held for third after opening fractions of 24.07 and 47.47 seconds.
Dr Post finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.07 and returned $4.20.
“We had the option of taking him to Oaklawn for an allowance race, but I said, ‘we’re here and the horse is doing well, let’s take a calculated risk,'" Pletcher said. "I thought for a lightly horse to respond that way and overcome some traffic, it was impressive. He got the win and got a good education. He showed a lot of talent and backed it up again today.
"...Like everyone else, we’ll wait and see what options we have. Hopefully, we’ll find out some news from New York when they’re thinking about reopening hopefully this week. By the time he’s ready to run we’ll have a better idea what our options are, but I was very, very encouraged by that."