Luis Saez, a two-time Championship Meet titlist who began his U.S. career in South Florida, rode the winners of six races on Saturday's 11-race program at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
The 28-year-old native of Panama rode the winners of five of the nine Claiming Crown stakes, including $150,000 Jewel victor Jesus' Team. Saez won seven races in a day twice during the 2017-18 Championship Meet.
“It's been great a great day. I'm so blessed to be here. This is one of my favorite places,” Saez said. “This is like home. I'm happy to be here.”
Saez began his big day with a win aboard Fighting Force ($5.80) in Race 3, a mile maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds on turf. After a popular victory aboard Jesus' Team ($2.80) to kick off the Claiming Crown portion of Saturday's card, Saez returned to the Gulfstream winner's circle with Jakarta ($3.60), winner of the $90,000 Distaff Dash; Queens Embrace ($6.60), who captured the $95,000 Tiara; Fiya ($3), who romped to victory in the $90,000 Canterbury; and Frost or Frippery ($8), who closed out the Claiming Crown action with a narrow score in the $75,000 Iron Horse.
Saez won back-to-back Championship Meet titles in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 before finishing second behind Irad Ortiz Jr. the past two seasons.
“We came here to work hard and see what happens,” Saez said. “We'll stay focused and working hard.”
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