Prado Makes Victorious Return to Gulfstream
Edgar Prado made a victorious return to Gulfstream Park, where the Hall of Fame jockey visited the winner’s circle twice on Sunday’s program.
Arriving from New York, Prado notched career win No. 6,726 in the second race, guiding Peter Walder-trained Letngo ($3.20) to a comfortable 5 ½-length victory.
“It’s definitely a great feeling to come back and ride this type of horse that goes out there and wins easily,” Prado said. “I’m glad to be back.”
The 47-year-old jockey went on to ride Todd Pletcher-trained G Five ($5.20) to an 8 1/4-length triumph in the ninth race.
Prado has always enjoyed success at Gulfstream Park, where he won the riding title during the Championship Meet in 2002 and 2005. Among his many graded-stakes scores, the Lima, Peru native has registered three victories in the Florida Derby (G1) with Barbaro (2006), Harlan’s Holiday (2002) and Scat Daddy (2007). Prado captured his 5000th career victory at Gulfstream aboard Wynn Dot Comma in the 2004 Swale Stakes.
“It's always great to come back to Gulfstream. There are so many great people here,” said Prado, who won the 2006 Eclipse Award as the country’s top jockey. “I’m looking forward to riding more good horses and getting ready for the (Championship) meet.”
Prado said he would be taking trips to New York and Kentucky to accept stakes mounts while being based at Gulfstream.
Who’s Hot: Jockey Jose Alvarez round two winners on Sunday: Belladini ($4.40) in the first and Never Lovlier ($9.40) in the sixth. Juan Leyva also doubled, scoring with Cajun Sunrise ($10.80) in the third and Vital Victory ($23.80) in the seventh.
Rainbow 6 Carryover Pool: $50,000
Source: Gulfstream Park