Apprentice jockey Martin Garcia recorded his first career victory Wednesday at Bay Meadows when he guided 6-to-5 favorite Wild Daydreamer ($4.40) to a front-running win in the third race at the San Mateo County Fair.
Three races later, the 20-year-old native of Vera Cruz, Mexico, secured his first riding double when he took the sixth race with 26-to-1 longshot Spin Or Win ($55.60). "Exciting," said Garcia of his big day. "It's a very nice feeling to win."
Wild Daydreamer, a 4-year-old filly trained by Jerry McArthur, ran away from her rivals down the stretch to win a 5 1/2-furlong race for $5,000 claimers by eight lengths.
Spin Or Win, a 3-year-old gelding trained by Wesley Ward, came from just off the pace to win a 5 1/2-furlong dash for $8,000 maiden claiming by 2 1/2 lengths.
Garcia got his start in racing last year when he began working with horses at Pleasanton. Wild Daydreamer was only his third mount.