SARATOGA SPRINGS— Roses for Debra showcased her talents with a hand ride, surging ahead in the final eighth of a mile to secure a victory in the 13th edition of the $200,000, Grade III Caress Stakes for fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs on the Mellon turf course. Guided by jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., the daughter of Liam’s Map delivered an impressive performance.
Donning the green and white colors of owner John O’Meara and trained by Christophe Clement, this grey filly has now claimed six wins in seven starts across four different tracks.
Clement acknowledged that entering Roses for Debra in stakes company was a bold move, but one worth taking. He stated, “It’s nice when you’re aggressive and it pays off.”
Roses for Debra engaged in a gripping duel with Bubble Rock and jockey Flavien Prat throughout the backstretch. Ortiz lightly tapped the filly with his crop, propelling her into the lead and ultimately securing a 2 ¼-length victory. The clock recorded her time at 1 minute, 2.39 seconds on the good grass course.
Ortiz humbly admitted that he played only a minor role in Roses for Debra’s triumph. “She broke so well, I just sat on her,” shared the 2022 Saratoga riding champion. “I just followed the leader and let her do her thing from the quarter pole.”
Roses for Debra, the morning-line favorite at 9-5, yielded payouts of $5.60 to win, $3.50 to place, and $2.50 to show. Wakanaka took second place, returning $5.20 and $2.70, while Bubble Rock’s show ticket was worth $2.40.
The victory earned Roses for Debra a prize of $110,000.
In other news, jockey Jose Ortiz suffered only bruised ribs following his fall with Same Old Fears in Friday’s first race. Reports from Albany Medical Center and his agent, Steve Rushing, indicate that Ortiz’s return to racing is currently “day to day.”
Meanwhile, Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jose’s older brother, showcased his prowess with a five-win day, including his victorious ride on Roses for Debra. With 19 wins in the first eight days of the meeting, Irad is well on his way to defending his riding title. Reflecting on his success, he expressed gratitude for the support from the crowd, particularly the joyous reactions of young fans seeking photos and giving him high-fives.
On Wednesday, steeplechasing enthusiasts in Saratoga Springs will be rooting for two entries from Hudson River Farm, owned by Ed Swyer. Modus Operandi, an Irish-bred horse, will be ridden by Parker Hendriks under the guidance of trainer Keri Brion. L’Imperator, a French-bred horse, will be ridden by Steve Mulqueen. Former champion jockey turned trainer Arch Kingsley prepared L’Imperator for the Saratoga jump race by competing in last month’s Grade II Belmont Gold Cup.
As the season progresses at Saratoga, races for 2-year-olds are lengthening. Noted, a horse from the Repole Stable, showcased this change by triumphing in a turf event at 1 1/16 miles. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Noted displayed a tactical race strategy by relinquishing the lead to Fortune Seller before reclaiming it in time to secure the win.
In the second race, Centavo’s backers received a refund after the stewards ruled that the 5-year-old did not receive a fair start. Centavo will be recorded as a non-starter in its record. Linda Rice, the leading trainer, celebrated another victory when Paddington won the race by a commanding 8 ½ lengths, with Irad Ortiz, Jr. substituting for his injured brother, Jose.
Overall, Saratoga Springs continues to provide thrilling races and memorable moments for both the jockeys and fans alike.
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