Irad Ortiz Jr. will be the new rider aboard the top 3-year-old Catholic Boy when he runs in the Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on March 31, John Panagot, the racing manager for majority owner Robert LaPenta, said Monday.

Catholic Boy had been ridden in his last four starts by Manny Franco.

Catholic Boy, winner of the Remsen Stakes last fall, was second in the Sam Davis Stakes last month at Tampa Bay Downs in his only start so far at 3. The Florida Derby will be his final start before a desired berth in the Kentucky Derby on May 5.

Jonathan Thomas trains Catholic Boy, who has won three times in five starts.