LAUREL, MD. 12-02-11---Xavier Perez joined the Maryland jockey colony this fall after beginning his career at Charles Town and he has made a favorable impression with 26 winners, ranking fifth in the rider standings. The “X-Man” has victories for 15 different trainers during the stand with an average win mutuel of $16.

“There’s no telling how good this kid can be because he rides them all hard, whether they are 2-1 or 25-1,” said J.D. Brown, Perez’s agent. “I told him that once people started to see him win, they would come. And that has happened. We are starting to ride for some better outfits.”

Perez celebrated his 24^th birthday Friday afternoon with a win aboard Smiling Jordan in the fifth race. He has three mounts Saturday at Laurel Park, including 20-1 shotShordawatyadrink in the $75,000 Jennings Handicap.

JOCKEY, TRAINER TITLES FOR FALL MEETING GOING DOWN TO THE WIRE

With 11 days of live racing days remaining at Laurel Park, the jockey and trainer titles for the fall meeting are up in the air.

Sheldon Russell, who captured the Laurel winter and Pimlico Race Course spring titles, and Julian Pimentel are tied atop the rider standings with 46 winners. Horacio Karamanos is just three back.

Russell will ride all nine races on Saturday’s card, including six morning line favorites. Pimentel has five scheduled mounts, while Karamanos is named on horses in three races.

Dane Kobiskie has a two-win lead over Jamie Ness in the trainer standings. The former rider has won 27 races from 81 starters. Ness has been nearly as efficient with 25 victories from 83 starters. Hamilton Smith is within striking distance of the top pair with 23 first place finishes.