Apprentice Saez Off to Hot Start at Churchill

Apprentice jockey Juan Saez, younger brother of Luis Saez, posted his first North American win when he scored with Miesque Amour in the opening race of the "Downs After Dark" program the evening of June 20 at Churchill Downs (VIDEO).

The breakthrough win came aboard a 9-10 favorite for trainer Billy Gowan and owner Joseph E. Kutz in a $7,500 claiming race for older fillies and mares.

The younger Saez wasn't finished, taking the next race as well aboard 6-1 shot Shere Khan in a $30,000 claimer for trainer D. Wayne Lukas and owners Charles Kidder and Ben and Nancy Cole (VIDEO). He also won with his first mount June 21 on Transylvania Flash in the third race for his third win in two days (VIDEO).

Saez, who was born June 24, 1997, in Dardien, Panama, made his U.S. debut with a second at Churchill Downs June 19.