OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Many New York-based jockeys typically head out of town for the winter to ride in good weather while hoping to find their next big horse, preferably a 3-year-old that can lead to the Kentucky Derby. After spending the last five winters riding at Gulfstream Park, New York regular Jose Ortiz has opted to make Aqueduct his base for the winter and travel to Florida or wherever on an as-needed basis. “When you go to Florida, you follow the good horses, but the everyday business is not there,” Ortiz said Monday. “I like to win, and that’s one of the reasons I’m staying. I think I’ll win more, and the purses are bigger and I can always fly to ride the good horses.” Ortiz, 28, won the Aqueduct winter meet titles in 2014-15 and 2015-16, so he knows how to handle the cold weather. Another reason for him electing to stay in New York is to be near his family, wife Taylor and the couple’s three children, the oldest of whom is nearing school age. “My oldest child is getting closer to starting school in kindergarten next year and that has a lot to do with it too,” Ortiz said. “I talked to my wife, and we decided to stay in one place. It’s not easy for the kids to move from school to school.” Ortiz said he plans to ride as much as he can in New York and would like to contend for leading rider. :: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You're one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with exclusive data, analytics, and expert picks. “Obviously, being leading rider is one of the goals, but like I said we’re going to be traveling a lot so I don’t know if we’re going to be able to accomplish that,” he said. As for riding in the cold weather, Ortiz said “Some days are better than others. I’ve done it before and I’m going to do it again.” Javier Castellano, who at one time was planning to spend the winter in New York, said Monday he will move his tack to South Florida after the holidays. Castellano, who won three races on Sunday’s card at Aqueduct, said he has picked up some business lately from trainers such as Shug McGaughey and Christophe Clement, adding to other clients he already has who have the bulk of their stables in Florida. Castellano, who will still be represented by P.J. Campo, said he would ride at Aqueduct through Dec. 19, after which New York racing takes a 10-day break.