Laurel Park: Alternative jockey rankings through April 12

Jorge Vargas, Jr. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.

by Frank Vespe

Jorge Vargas, Jr. held steady in points in our alternative jockey rankings, with 329.75 versus 330.55 in the March 28 rankings, and that  has done little to change the rankings, as Vargas continues to hold the most points in our rating system.

It was a good rebound for Vargas, who had previously found himself in a bit of a slump. Prior to our latest rankings, Vargas had not visited the winner’s circle since March 11th. However, the rider experienced a breakthrough on March 31, when he rode Colonel Juan to victory in a maiden special weight at Laurel Park. Vargas has managed to make his way back to the Laurel Park winner’s circle twice since then, by guiding both Brother Chub and Rockin Ruth to victory on April 6th.

Our ranking system incorporates wins, win percentage, earnings per start, and wagering return on investment. The leading rider in each category receives a score of 100 per category, with other jockeys obtaining a percentage of that. That means that a leader in all four categories would receive a score of 400 total.

This rating system is designed to highlight individuals who win frequently, and score in major races. Our stats have been applied to each jockey at Laurel Park who has competed in at least 35 races and won at least once.

Feargal Lynch remains in second in terms of points, creeping a bit closer to Vargas. Lynch has managed to bring his points up from 288.21 to 295.05, keeping him ahead of Julian Pimentel (292.13), Jomar Torres (279.38), and Elvis Trujillo (260.35), respectively.

Along with leading in points, Vargas also leads his fellow riders in terms of wins. With 38 total wins, Vargas remains clear of Weston Hamilton, who owns 32 wins in total. Vargas and Hamilton are then followed by Jomar Torres, with 24 wins, Sheldon Russell, with 23 wins, and Steve Hamilton, with 21 wins.

Previously second in win percentage, Vargas has dropped to third with a win percentage of 19.39%. He’s behind leader Julian Pimentel, who wins 20.20 percent of the time, and Lynch (2o percent even).

Lynch remains as the leader for the colony’s top earnings per start at $7,622. Trujillo comes in second with $7,148 earnings per start, followed by Vargas in third with $6,737.

In wagering ROI, Carlos Quinones continues to maintain a large advantage. He returns bettors $3.04 for each $2 win wager on his horses, giving him a $1.20 edge over his nearest pursuers. Jomar Torres and Xavier Perez are tied in second with an ROI of $1.84. They are followed by Luis Rodriguez and Kevin Gomez who have an ROI of $1.78 and $1.76, respectively.

The rankings include all races run at Laurel Park through April 12, 2018.

LAUREL PARK JOCKEY RANKINGS