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Cruz records 2,000th North American winner
It was the first of four close second-place finishes for Cruz, which generated enthusiasm among his many fans at the track. Cruz was beaten only a half-length aboard Translucent Sky (Sweetsouthernsaint) in the 3RD, went down by a head when guiding Keechi Bullet (Red Bullet) in the 5TH, and was a length shy with Wise Vision (Wised Up) in the 6TH. In the 7TH, Catch Rikki tracked in second, accosted the early leader on the far turn, and kicked clear to win by six lengths. The 3-5 favorite completed one mile and 70 yards in 1:44 3/5 on a track listed as good. A native of Brazil, Cruz was among the top jockeys at Hipodromo Cidade Jardim, winning 1,200 races there before coming to the United States in 2000. In 2002, Cruz earned his first riding title in the United States when he was the leading rider at Tampa Bay Downs. He came to Calder that summer and was the meet's second leading jockey. Over the years, Cruz has earned five riding titles at the Calder and Tropical meets and rode his 1,000th North American career winner on September 17, 2005, at Calder. He is the leading jockey at the current Calder meet. "I love my job," said Cruz, after getting doused with water by his colleagues outside the winner's circle, a tradition usually reserved for first-time winners. "This makes me so happy. Now I can't wait for 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000."
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