Taylor Adds To Trainer Lead, Ortiz Stays Atop Jockey Standings

 

M. Heath Taylor, who has won or shared in five consecutive Quarter Horse training titles at Delta Downs, added to his lead in the standings last week by one. The venerable horseman leads Janet Van Bebber by two victories heading into this week’s action after starting last week one win ahead.

 

So far, Taylor has saddled 28 winners and his barn has accounted for a season-leading total of $445,600 in earnings. His biggest win of three last week came on Saturday night when his charge, Mr Perry Dash, won the $40,000 Miss Polly Classic Stakes.

 

Van Bebber had two wins last week to bring her meet total up to 26 as she remains in second place. Rounding out the top seven trainers heading to the week’s action are Kenneth L. Roberts, Sr. (18), Joseph Manucy (18), Frank Cavazos (15), Danny Joe Eldridge (15), and Ray Robbins (15).

 

Gilbert Ortiz, who is one of Taylor’s main riders, also extended his lead in the jockey standings last week. The three-time Delta Downs leading jockey visited the winner’s circle six times in four days and now has 53 wins from 251 overall mounts. His earnings mark also leads all pilots this meet so far at $797,916.

 

Following Ortiz in the standings are Danny Lavergne (47), Alfonso Lujan (46), Jr. R. Ramirez (36), John Hamilton (23), and Ray Mayo (23).