Irad Ortiz wins fourth race of day in Hal’s Hope
HALLANDALE BEACH — The Ortiz brothers, Irad and Jose, have been battling each other on the track for the past few years. They did it again Saturday at Gulfstream park in the Hal’s Hope Stakes. The Grade 3 mile came down to which of them was going to get the bulk of the $100,000 purse after a stretch-long duel that left five others in their wake.
At the top of the stretch, Jose aboard favored Irish War Cry, moved up to engage Irad and Economic Model and appeared poised to go on to victory. But Saturday was Irad’s day. He urged on Economic Model, who dug in and held a short advantage until inside the final sixteenth when he moved gradually away to his final margin of 1 3⁄4 lengths. The victory was the fourth of the day for Irad. Tower of Texas was another length back in third.
Both the winner and runner-up came into the race off lengthy layoffs. Economic Model hadn’t raced since winning an optional claiming race at Belmont in October. Irish War Cry, who won last season’s Holy Bull, was on the sidelines since a dull performance in the Pennsylvania Derby in September. Jose said rust might have been a factor in Irish War Cry failing to sustain his rally. “I thought I was going to win but my horse hadn’t run in a long time. I think he will improve. I really like him.”
The race was marred by the breakdown of Send It In on the far turn. Jockey John Velazquez was able to walk away but Send It In had to be euthanized.
Economic Model, a oneturn specialist, was prominent throughout, stalking the pace of Malagacy, who was stretching out from a sprint. By the time the field reached the far turn, Malagacy was getting ready to throw in the towel and Economic Model cruised on by. But Irish War Cry didn’t give him any time for a breather, ranging up to challenge him.
Irad, who has ridden Economic Model many times and has been working him in the morning for Chad Brown, said he never felt in jeopardy as his brother moved alongside. “I know this horse. When another horse comes up to him, he fights back.”
Economic Model, who ran a mile in 1:36.50 in winning his first graded stakes, knows what it’s like to have a quality horse look him in the eye. His workmate at Palm Meadows is Eclipse juvenile champion Good Magic, who will make his 3-year-old debut Saturday in the Fountain of Youth. “He was working great against Good Magic, who’s a nice horse,” Irad said in more than a slight understatement.