John Ortiz has been riding high after a strong meet at Saratoga, which marked a significant turning point in his training career this year. With Brightwork clinching the Grade 3 Prioress, Ortiz secured his first graded-stakes victory for the year. Following that achievement, his 2-year-old filly Quietside finished a commendable second in the prestigious Spinaway (G1), contributing to his impressive statistics of winning half of his 12 starts at the Spa.
Reflecting on this successful streak, Ortiz expressed satisfaction and confidence in his growing stable, which currently consists of around 60 horses. He described the blend of patience and strategic placement of horses as crucial to the success of his operation. The increase in the quality of horses in his barn, as well as new clients, has contributed to the positive momentum.
Having started his independent training career in 2016, Ortiz values the importance of a cohesive team, crediting his staff with the maintenance and success of the operation. His decision to pay workers on a salary basis rather than per task or hour has led to a motivated and happy workforce, which he believes is essential for achieving success.
While Ortiz resides in Lexington, Kentucky, he mentioned plans to expand his operation to include around 30 to 35 horses in Louisville over the summer, maintaining a focus on developing young talent as they prepare for future races.
In discussing some of his top horses, Ortiz repeated the importance of patience and careful management. Brightwork, who made a triumphant return with her win in the Prioress, demonstrates the potential for even greater performance now that she’s returning to form. Quietside, still physically maturing, showcases great promise, and Ortiz is looking forward to potentially stretching her out in upcoming races.
Crown Imperial, despite a challenging season, is receiving the proper adjustments for improvement; similarly, Happy Is a Choice has shown promise after a strong summer campaign. Unsung Melody is maturing well, and her recent victories point toward a bright future. Conversely, for Boss Lady Bailey, Ortiz hopes that a return to a more suitable distance will bring out the best in her, as experiences at different tracks have revealed her preferences.
As Ortiz looks ahead, his strategic approach and strong team foundation position him favourably in the competitive landscape of horse racing, and he is excited about what the future holds for his barn.