Ortiz pilots Cosmic Speculation to $30.20 upset

Jose Ortiz put Cosmic Speculation on the lead in the second race at Gulfstream yesterday, lulled the rest of the field to sleep through a controlled pace of :24.76 and :47.97, then had plenty left to break his maiden in his fourth career start.

The 3-year-old gelding by Bucchero reached the wire 1 1/2 lengths in front of fast-closing even-money favorite Victoria’s Chief, and was clocked in 1:29.89 in the $53,000 maiden special at 7 1/2 furlongs over the turf course. Bred by Jennifer and Gillian Johnson, Cosmic Speculation earned a check for $31,800, raising his total to $40,500 on a record of 4-1-1-0. He paid $30.20, became winner No. 4 for Bucchero this year, and was awarded an 80 Equibase ‘E’ speed rating, his best thus far.