Jockey Eric Cancel promises this time will be different for him at Monmouth Park.

Eight years ago, looking to boost business following a comeback from an injury, the New York-based Cancel committed to riding at the Jersey Shore for the summer. He made it through the first five weeks before returning to New York.

This time, the 29-year-old native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, said he’s here to stay throughout the 50-day meet that gets underway on Saturday.

“It was time for me to try something different,” said Cancel. “Business in New York this time of the year can be tough. I wanted to see if I can generate some business at Monmouth Park, especially with so many trainers who ship in from New York to Monmouth to run.

“I will be going back and forth, riding Monmouth Park on the weekends and New York during the week. But I am planning to be at Monmouth Park the whole summer.”

For starters, Cancel is listed to ride in three of the eight races on Saturday and five of the eight races on Sunday, including Star Sweeper in the $100,000 Long Branch Stakes for 3-year-olds that day.

“Hopefully, Monmouth Park will get me back to where I want to be,” he said. “All I can do is keep trying and keep working hard. My plan is to be here the whole summer and that things go the way I want them to go.”

Cancel, who started riding in the United States in 2015, had breakout years in 2020 (108 wins) and 2021 (a career-best 146 wins). He won 58 races last year.

Since 2021, he has had just 11 mounts combined at Monmouth Park, winning four. Overall, he has 907 career wins.

“My goal at Monmouth Park for the summer is to win as many races as I can,” he said. “I’d like to finish in the top three in the standings. That would be great for my career. But it’s really about winning as many races as I can.”

One variable that Cancel feels will make a difference is agent Jose Garcia, who also handles the book for 12-time Monmouth Park riding champion Paco Lopez. This marks the first year they are collaborating.

“I’ve known Jose for a long time – since he was riding,” said Cancel, who won the Aqueduct winter riding title in 2021. “The opportunity came up to work with him and I decided it was a good time to have him as my agent. I think he will make a difference for me.

“To be honest it has been a little rough trying to get back to where I once was (2020 and 2021). I had an accident where I needed surgery. After that it has been tough building back business. I did not get the boost I wanted. So I am trying to build my business back up. It’s not easy but I think this will be the best way for me to do that.”