Racing Updates: Jockey Standings, Dark Mirage Stakes, Pennsylvania Derby, and More
The latest jockey standings at Los Alamitos show Edgar Payeras leading with four wins, followed by Antonio Fresu and Kazushi Kimura with three wins each. Among trainers, Doug O’Neill is in the lead with three wins, followed by Richard Baltas and Jesus Uranga with two wins each. The Dark Mirage Stakes, a $100,000 race for fillies and mares, will be the highlight of the closing weekend at Los Alamitos. Bob Baffert-trained Nothing Like You, ridden by Juan Hernandez, is the favorite in the race, aiming to return to the winner's circle after a series of stakes losses.
In other racing news, Baeza and Goal Oriented are set to compete in the $1 million Grade I Pennsylvania Derby, with Baeza ranked ninth in the Longines-sponsored Breeders’ Cup Classic contenders list. The race also features top 3-year-olds Sovereignty and Journalism. Nysos, a notable contender, has been absent from recent races and workouts, raising questions about its readiness for upcoming events. The Santa Anita fall meet is set to open on September 26.
Spice Runner, ridden by Jose Ortiz and trained by Steve Asmussen, emerged victorious in the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, while Hott Temptation, ridden by Martin Arriaga, won the Grade I Mildred Vessels Memorial Handicap at Los Alamitos. Jockey Kazushi Kimura, nearing 1,000 career wins, is set to ride in multiple races at Los Alamitos, aiming to join the ranks of accomplished Southern California jockeys.
Unfortunately, jockey Efrain Hernandez was sidelined due to an injury sustained during a race at Los Alamitos, highlighting the risks involved in horse racing. The recent death of a 2-year-old quarter-horse colt at Los Alamitos adds to the concerns surrounding horse fatalities in California racing. Despite efforts to improve safety measures, the number of horse fatalities remains a significant issue in the racing community.
Del Mar has announced the renaming of the Cary Grant Stakes to The Chosen Vron Stakes in honor of the retired California-bred Horse of the Year. The Chosen Vron, with an impressive record of 19 victories in 25 starts, including two wins in the Cary Grant Stakes, is being celebrated for its remarkable career. As the racing season progresses, fans and participants alike are eagerly anticipating the upcoming events and competitions in the world of horse racing.