FTBOA Sire Stakes excitement is building at Gulfstream Park as jockey Jonathan Ocasio prepares for the biggest ride of his career. On Saturday morning at Palm Meadows, the 25-year-old Puerto Rican rider guided the promising colt Squire through a sharp bullet workout, reflecting on his incredible journey — one shaped by ambition, persistence, and a little help from trainer Patrick Biancone… and even SpongeBob SquarePants.
A Boyhood Dream, An Unlikely Teacher
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Ocasio always dreamed of riding in the United States. But he knew one thing stood between him and opportunity — language.
“I learned the basics in school,” Ocasio recalled with a grin. “But for conversation, I did it myself. I watched a lot of cartoons and movies in English with Spanish subtitles. SpongeBob was my favorite. That’s how I learned to have conversations, to do interviews, to speak with trainers.”
It’s a quirky detail, but it became the foundation of his career. Without that skill, he may never have caught the attention of the soft-spoken Frenchman who would change his life.
Biancone Sees Something Special
Trainer Patrick Biancone first met Ocasio last year at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream Park’s training hub. What stood out immediately wasn’t just his work ethic — it was his command of English.
“He’s a very nice and very well-educated young guy,” Biancone said in his signature French accent. “He speaks perfect English. He comes here in the mornings, understands what we want, and he’s now part of the team.”
That trust has paid off. During Gulfstream’s recently concluded Royal Palm Meet, Ocasio and Biancone teamed up for an impressive 36% win rate — 11 victories from 30 rides, including stakes wins aboard Diciassette in the Proud Man and Layabout in the Bear’s Den.
“He gets the best out of the horses,” Biancone added. “He works hard, knows the horses, and my clients like him. If he makes a mistake, we tell him — but everyone makes mistakes sometimes.”
Finding His Break in Florida
After graduating from the Escuela Vocacional Augustin Mercado Riverson jockey school at Camarero Race Track in 2020, Ocasio spent five years riding at Parx Racing in Pennsylvania. Though he found modest success, he knew he needed to move if he wanted to grow.
“I was riding at Parx and doing okay, but I thought if I moved, I could make better business,” Ocasio said. “Thank God, the plan has worked out. I have a good agent, Roger Velez, who’s been a great mentor.”
In South Florida, Ocasio rode mostly under the radar at Gulfstream and Tampa Bay Downs — until Biancone noticed him. That partnership has become the cornerstone of Ocasio’s breakout.
“Patrick has been amazing for me,” Ocasio said warmly. “He gave me chances in the mornings and in races. I’m really thankful for everything he’s taught me.”
Eyes on the FTBOA Sire Stakes
Now, Ocasio is looking to the future — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Next Saturday, he’ll climb aboard Squire in the $100,000 Dr. Fager Stakes at Gulfstream Park, the six-furlong opener of the 2025 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series for 2-year-olds.
Squire, a son of Leinster, debuted with a sharp 4½-furlong win under Joe Bravo before finishing second on turf under Luis Saez in the Royal Palm Juvenile. On Saturday, Ocasio partnered him for a blistering 35.70-second bullet at Palm Meadows — a sign the colt is primed.
Ocasio will also ride Lennilu, another Biancone trainee, who breezed six furlongs on turf in 1:17.74. Lennilu is targeting either Gulfstream’s $100,000 Desert Vixen or the $1 million Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs. Meanwhile, Ocasio has also been booked on Laigina, a promising Leinster filly who worked stride-for-stride with Squire last weekend.
Living the Dream
For Ocasio, the journey from watching SpongeBob with subtitles to becoming one of Gulfstream Park’s rising stars is something he still struggles to put into words.
“It’s very special for me,” he said quietly. “I know Patrick’s a global trainer, very successful around the world. I’ve been watching him for a long time. I have a lot of respect for the way he trains. I’m very grateful for the opportunities he’s given me.”
And now, with the FTBOA Sire Stakes on the horizon, Jonathan Ocasio is ready to turn opportunity into achievement.
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