Jockey Tyler Baze didn’t take long to get back to the winner’s circle in his return to riding in Southern California April 28.
Injured in a pre-race mishap last July 24 at Del Mar, Baze, 28, won with his second mount on his first day back at his home circuit, scoring an easy gate-to-wire victory aboard Joyful Success in the sixth race at Hollywood Park (VIDEO).
After finishing off the board with Southern Sugah earlier in the card, Baze quickly established command from the inside aboard the 4-1 shot in the $16,000 claimer.Joyful Success, a 4-year-old Successful Appeal gelding, never looked back in giving Baze his first Hollywood Park victory since 13-1 shot Ex Lover won the opener last July 18.
“It feels good,’’ the popular Baze, who also rode unplaced longshot Krasavitsa in the eighth, told TVG. “It’s a relief to get back to the winner’s circle early.’’
The win was the third in 13 starts for Joyful Success, who is trained by Peter Miller for owner Altamira Racing Stable. Miller is also the trainer of Night Justice, the horse Baze was riding when he was injured last summer.
Joyful Success won by 3 ¼ lengths over 17-1 shot Aliza's Dream.
Baze had ridden two horses at Turf Paradise, both unplaced, earlier this week.