Photo by Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club

Jorge Ruiz was at it again today. Aboard Wertheimer & Frere’s homebred LONGHI, he found the winner’s circle in a claiming race at Laurel Park going 8 1/2 furlongs on the lawn.

Jorge rode the 3-year-old Caravaggio colt in his debut at Colonial Downs last July 18. Different story that day, but with the same result: going 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt, they defeated ten rivals giving Longhi first race/first win status. Today, Longhi was “snuggly rated in a crowd approaching the first turn, was patiently rated, worked between horses leaving the far turn, eased out in upper stretch, closed in a rush and was up at the finish.”

Runner-up Brighty seemed to have the race won. It looked as though Longhi couldn’t get there, but he doggedly closed the distance and got that head down right on the wire. This was his second win from six career outings.

Congratulations to Wertheimer & Frere…..and thanks gain, Jorge!