Juan Carlos Diaz Jr. makes triumphant return to Gulfstream

Juan Carlos Diaz Jr., the son of a Puerto Rican legend, made a return to the Gulfstream Park winner’s circle Saturday, more than two years after a brief stopover on his way to Southern California during his apprentice year.

The 20-year-old son of Juan Carlos Diaz rode Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained Uncork the Bottle ($15.60) to a deep-closing victory in Race 3 aboard his second mount since his return to Gulfstream for the Spring/Summer Meet. Diaz rode Joseph-trained Braver Than We Are for a victory on March 10, 2019 during a 13-race stint at Gulfstream before riding out his apprenticeship in Southern California.

“I thank Saffie Joseph Jr. He has always supported me,” said Diaz of the Gulfstream Park-based trainer who notched stakes victories Saturday at Aqueduct with Mischevious Alex in Carter (G1) and Drain the Clock in the Bay Shore (G3).

Diaz rode a majority of his 79 career victories during his apprenticeship in Southern California before returning to Puerto Rico to ride alongside his father, who has ridden 5,298 winners for the past few months.

“I liked California. I did good there, but with COVID-19, I went home and rode there for two months. Now, I’m here,” Diaz said. “My father has helped me a lot. He told me to go to Miami.”