Need a winner? Contact Irad Ortiz Jr.

Trainer Steven Dye found out yesterday at Gulfstream Park what so many before him have discovered; if your horse hasn’t broken its maiden after seven starts, get Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for No. 8.

It worked to perfection for Dye with Regal Holiday in the first race, a maiden claimer at 5 1/2 furlongs over the main track. The 3-year-old Neolithic colt had posted two seconds and a third in his previous three tries, but each time came up short when it counted.

Regal Holiday broke a step slowly for Ortiz, but the country’s leading rider rushed him up on the rail to take the lead before the first quarter, which went in :22.75. The colt bred by Mary K. Haire slowly increased his advantage past a half in :46.07, and the issue was never in doubt as Regal Holiday cruised to the wire nearly five lengths in front, clocked in :1:05.38.

The victory was worth $12,800, and Regal Holiday paid $5.20 as favorite.