Reyes and Great Venezuela make a great team

In her first career start as a 2-year-old at Gulfstream Park on September 26 of 2023, Great Venezuela finished second with Jesus Rios in the irons. For her second start, trainer Victor Barboza Jr. opted for a new rider, Leonel Reyes, who has since compiled a record of 6-0-1 in seven starts, all at Gulfstream, with the 3-year-old Neolithic filly owned and bred by Ocala’s Orlyana Farm.

Reyes’ seventh ride aboard Great Venezuela came Friday in a $41,000 starter optional claimer at five furlongs over the Tapeta surface, with the filly riding a three-race winning streak. At odds of 1 to 9, she made it four straight, fighting off some early challenges through fractions of :22.16 and :45.40, and running away late to score by 3 1/4 lengths, clocked in :57.78.

Great Venezuela paid $2.20, and earned a check for $24,100. The last four victories have come by an incredible combined total of 19 1/2 lengths. With her record of 6-1-1, she’s now given her owners eight checks amounting to earnings of $178,200, and eight breeders’ awards.