Semi Lost Wins Pomona Derby on Pedroza's Big Day

Jockey Martin Pedroza, who earlier Saturday guided Semi Lost to victory in the $100,000 Pomona Derby, set a meet record for wins in a season at Fairplex Park. He finished with five victories on the day.

The quintuple gave him 49 wins on the stand, breaking the mark of 48 set by David Flores in 1991. Flores established the standard during a 19-day meeting. Pedroza broke the record in 16 days and he has 10 more mounts on Sunday.

Fairplex's all-time riding leader, Pedroza got the record aboard She's Moving On, a 3-year-old filly who had won once previously in 17 starts and was winless in 10 tries in 2004. She won the $10,000 starter allowance at odds of 5-1.

"I never thought it would be broken," Flores said during a brief ceremony afterward. "He's just been unbelievable. (Pedroza) deserves all the records. I'm just going to stay away from him."

Added Pedroza, a 39-year-old native of Panama: "It's a lot of races to win in 17 days. Thanks to everyone for all the support. It's been great."

His big victory Saturday came a race earlier aboard Semi Lost, a Jeff Mullins-trained gelding who romped to a 4 1/2-length victory in the Pomona Derby.

The 8-5 favorite, Semi Lost, by Lost Soldier, gained his first stakes victory. He loomed up on the outside of pacesetting Power Tripper on the final turn of the 1 1/8-mile event and drew off under steady handling from Pedroza.

Cozy Guy came on for second with Lava Man third. The final time was 1:48 4/5.

Second in the La Jolla Derby (gr. IIT) earlier this summer, Semi Lost was steadied late in the Del Mar Derby (gr. IIT) while finishing sixth, beaten by 1 3/4 lengths in his last start Sept. 6. The victory, his third in seven starts, was worth $55,000 co-owners Robert Bone and Desperado Stables. His total earnings stand at $160,070.

He paid $5.20, $3.60 and $2.40. Cozy Guy, at odds of 19-1, returned $12.80 and $5.20 while completing a $81.60 exacta. Lava Man's show was $2.80.

(Chart, Equibase)