Gulfstream: Franco Fills in for Alvarado aboard Sovereignty in Curlin Florida Derby

By David Joseph —-

NYRA Photo
Franco Fills in for Alvarado aboard Sovereignty in Curlin Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL — Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and Godolphin LLC have secured the riding services of Manny Franco for Sovereignty’s highly anticipated start in Saturday’s $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park.

The New York-based jockey will fill in for regular rider Junior Alvarado, who sustained a shoulder injury in a racing mishap Sunday. Alvarado has been aboard Sovereignty for all four starts, including a last-to-first victory in the March 1 Fountain of Youth (G1).

Franco is currently atop- the jockey standings at the current Aqueduct meet.

“I can rarely get him. He’s never been easy to get to ride, but I think he won a couple of Grade 1s for us on Channel Maker,” said Mott, who gave Franco a leg up for back-to-back victories in the 2020 Sword Dancer (G1) at Saratoga and. Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont. “He’s done well with the one’s he’s ridden for us.”

Franco won the 2020 Florida Derby and Holy Bull (G3) aboard Tiz the Law.

Franco is currently sixth this year in North America in money won and third in wins behind Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz. Franco was tied for 10th in victories last year with 210.

About The Stronach Group and 1/ST

The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment and real estate development company with Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The Stronach Group’s 1/ST business (pronounced “First”) is North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company and includes the 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY and 1/ST EXPERIENCE businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); Laurel Park, The Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing on and off the track. The Stronach Group’s TSG Properties is responsible for the development of the company’s live, play and work communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). For more information, visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook.