The consensus reaction to Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin’s victory Friday in the 30th running of the Baird Doubledogdare (G3) at odds of 38-1 was “a pleasant surprise.”

“We didn’t expect that. It was a pleasant surprise,” said Paul Madden, assistant to trainer Brendan Walsh. “We have only had her four or five weeks.”

Jose Ortiz rode Gin Gin to the 5¼-length victory over Tarifa, the margin of victory being the second largest in the history of the race.

“That was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know a thing about her, and it was the first time I had seen her,” Ortiz said.

The stakes win capped off a big day for Ortiz, who that morning rode Quietside to a 5-furlong work in :59 in preparation for the Kentucky Oaks (G1). The time was the fastest of 15 at the distance.

On Friday afternoon, Ortiz won two races to increase his meet total to 13, including two stakes. He is two wins behind his brother, Irad, and Luis Saez, who are tied for first place, and one win behind Flavien Prat.

Also sharing in the pleasant surprise were the bettors who took a chance on Gin Gin. She paid $79.76 to win, the largest $2 win mutuel payout in the race’s history.

Gin Gin’s victory kicked off a late double sweep for Walsh, who won the afternoon’s final race with Expensive Queen (IRE) ($11.98). Walsh now has eight wins, including two stakes, from 22 starters and is tied for second with Brad Cox in the trainer standings. With four days remaining in the 15-day Spring Meet, the leader with nine wins is Wesley Ward.

Baird Doubledogdare runner-up Tarifa is scheduled to rejoin Cox’s string at Churchill Downs today.

“I thought she ran well. It just took her a while to get settled,” said Blake Cox, son of and assistant to his father.

Tarifa brushed between horses soon after the start and was steadied, finding herself at the back of the pack early before rallying to get second.