Jockey Jose Santos will miss at least the first half of the Saratoga meeting after suffering a fractured arm in a paddock accident at Belmont Park on Friday. The injury is to the same arm that cost Santos the entire Spa season in 2001. Santos was in the process of mounting Lauren's Charm for Friday's fourth race when the 2-year old filly reared and threw Santos down on his back. Pedro Cotto Jr was summoned from the jocks' room and rode Lauren's Charm to a third place finish while Santos went for x-rays on his arm.
The 43-year old Santos will finish fifth at the Belmont Spring meet and is riding in his best form in many years. He has enjoyed great past success at Saratoga. Highlights include halting Angel Cordero Jr's streak of 11 consecutive riding titles in 1987, and winning the Travers in 1999 on Lemon Drop Kid.
