Espinoza Teams With Baffert for His 2,000th Win

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Jockey Victor Espinoza drove Fear No Darkness to victory in the fourth race Sunday at Santa Anita Park to reach win number 2,000, fittingly enough on a horse trained by Bob Baffert.

Baffert has provided Espinoza with opportunities for some of 33-year-old rider's finest moments, including triumphs in the 2002 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness (gr. I) aboard War Emblem.

Espinoza urged Fear No Darkness, a son of Horse Chestnut owned by Sunset Stables, to a neck victory, coming from off the pace in the 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight event for 3-year-olds.

The native of Mexico City has been riding in the United States since 1993, breaking in as the leading apprentice at Bay Meadows in 1993-94 and at Golden Gate Fields in 1994. Espinoza moved his tack to Southern California in 1996 and his most recent riding title came at Del Mar last year.

Espinoza ranks third at the current Santa Anita winter/spring meeting with 55 victories.

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