Kentucky
After Jeff Ruby, Jose Ortiz will remain in Kentucky this spring
Photo:
Candice Chavez / Eclipse Sportswire
Jockey Jose Ortiz is named to ride eight races Saturday at Turfway Park and, after Jeff Ruby Steaks day, fans in Kentucky will begin to see his name regularly in the program as he’s slated to ride full-time this spring at Keeneland and Churchill Downs.
For many years Ortiz has been a regular rider on the New York circuit during the spring and summer, and this will be the first time he’ll remain in Kentucky. Agent Steve Rushing, who also takes the calls for Ortiz’s Eclipse Award-winning brother Irad Ortiz Jr., will continue to have his book in Kentucky.
Among Ortiz’ many mounts Saturday is Sam F. Davis (Grade 3) runner-up Agate Road in the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Listed at 4-1 on the morning-line odds, Agate Road was cross-entered in Saturday’s Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds, but Pletcher stated he’s “leaning towards” running the son of Quality Road at Turfway.
Other notable mounts for Ortiz Saturday at Turfway include Wolfie’s Dynaghost in the $300,000 Kentucky Cup Classic (G3) and Blue Eyed George in the $250,000 Rushaway.
Ortiz will make a brief return to Florida after Jeff Ruby Steaks day but will be back to Kentucky when Keeneland’s spring meet begins Friday, April 5.
Kentucky
Kentucky made program history as unranked team against Arkansas
The Kentucky Wildcats have had a very up-and-down season, but the high’s have been very high. That was the case on Saturday against Arkansas. After suffering an embarrassing loss to Vandy that snapped a five-game winning streak, they responded with a huge top-15 road win against the Razorbacks. But it wasn’t just a regular big road win. Kentucky made program history with it.
Kentucky’s win at Arkansas was so impressive that it was their largest margin of victory as an unranked opponent in a true road game against an SEC opponent ranked in the top 25 of the AP Poll, according to statistician Corey Price. Not only that, but it was the second-most points scored by an unranked Kentucky team in true road win against a top-15 SEC opponent in program history. The most scored was 95 against Alabama in 1973. It was also the team’s fewest turnovers against a top-25 foe since Florida in 2012.
The history-making did not stop there with Kentucky’s win over Arkansas on the road. It marked the first time in program history that an unranked Kentucky team has won two games on the road against a top-25 SEC opponent in the same season. One player made program history as well with his play on the road. Also according to Corey Price, Kentucky star guard Otega Oweh is the first player to have at least 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in a true road game against a top-25 opponent since Jodie Meeks had his electric performance against Tennessee back in 2009.
Time and time again, this Kentucky team has responded. Although there have been plenty of downs this season, the Wildcats still are building a very good resume and with six Quad 1 games left, can make even more history with a chance to actually end up with one of the best resumes in college basketball. Believe it or not, Kentucky has a chance to completely turn this season around and they can build off the biggest win of the season that they just picked up against Arkansas.
In a season full of a lot of inconsistent play, one thing is for sure and that is this team has a lot of potential when they put it all together on the court. The Wildcats displayed that on Saturday night against Arkansas and as a result, they made program history as an unranked Kentucky team because of it.
More Kentucky basketball news
Kentucky
Sunday Headlines: Kentucky Basketball saves season after beating John Calipari and Arkansas

Kentucky
How many times can you rewatch the Kentucky-Arkansas highlightS?
Mark Pope and Kentucky evened the score with John Calipari and Arkansas on Saturday, winning in Fayetteville as the underdog. The Wildcats got back on track for a sixth win in seven games, but this one was sweeter than all of the others. You know why.
As you celebrate on into the night, take a moment to rewatch the top plays from the win over the Hogs. There are over five minutes of fun. Things like Collin Chandler splashing 3s and Otega Oweh finishing at the rim. The technical fouls did not make the clip.
Enjoy.
Highlights from Kentucky-Arkansas
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