Tyler Baze ‘Happy To Be Home’ With Family, Riding At Del Mar Again

Halfway through Saturday's fourth race at Del Mar, a mile $25,000 claimer on the main track, jockey Tyler Baze and his mount Pubilius Syrus, the 5-2 betting favorite, were 10 lengths behind and appeared destined for a distancing loss.

Three-quarters of the way through, they were still 7 1/2 lengths behind and were in front, by just a head, of only one rival in the field of seven.

However, in a turn of events that makes racing exciting, they sprinted past everyone in front of them in the last quarter and won by a neck.

“He (Pubilius Syrus) didn't want to run until he was ready, that's all I can say,” Baze said afterward. “I was ridin' and ridin' and he wasn't giving me nothing. Then all of a sudden he just turned on the afterburners and went. I thought, 'Finally, gosh he was making me work way too hard.'”

Carrying on the family tradition of his cousin Russell, who retired as North America's all-time leading jockey with 12,842 wins, Tyler was horsebacking at age 3 and riding professionally at 17. Baze, now 38, won an Eclipse Award as North America's top apprentice in 2000 and was a Southern California circuit regular until the storms, literal and figurative, at Santa Anita in 2019 prompted a move to the Midwest for the good of his business and family.

The venture was successful enough, even through the COVID-19 complications of 2020. But there was the desire to get back to Southern California and be with his family at their home near Santa Anita. And, at the end of summer came an opportunity to have respected horseman Jack Carava – who ended a 33-year training career – as his agent.

So, in September, Baze was back riding in Southern California with intentions of staying but more aware than ever of the uncertainties of life.

“You never know what's going to happen,” Baze said. “But California racing is good, my family's here and I'm happy to be home. Jack (Carava) is great. I'd ridden for him for 20 years and when he said he wanted to make a career change I jumped at the opportunity to work with him.”

Baze, of course, was delighted to get back to his wife and three children.

“Ages 3, 4 and 6 and they're only going to be kids once,” Baze said. “They're happy that I get to see them every day. They were missing daddy a lot.”

Like everyone else, 2020 has been a year of dealing with COVID for Baze. Initially on the Midwest circuit in Arkansas and Kentucky, lately in California.

“Everywhere you go the rules are different,” Baze said. “I just try to keep pretty isolated. There ain't no going shopping at the mall. My kids have pretty much stayed at home since it all started. It's crazy times and we're fortunate to be running (horse races).

“Everybody needs to do what they can to stay safe. Everybody needs to do their part.”

The win on Pubilius Syrus was No. 6 from 37 mounts at the meeting. He also has two seconds and three third-place finishes. “It's going well, can't complain,” Baze said.

It also was win No. 999 in the career of trainer Mark Glatt, who figures to notch milestone No. 1,000 during the Bing Crosby Season. The first opportunity comes in today's second race when Baze rides Win Like Coach P, 5-1 on the morning line.

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Online ‘Live Money’ Del Mar Fall Challenge Set For Nov. 28

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will offer the “Del Mar Fall Challenge” handicapping contest on Saturday, Nov. 28, presenting a stellar nine-race card including three graded stakes from the seaside track near San Diego, Calif.

The “live money” Challenge is offered online through TVG.com only.

Those interested in competing can sign up now at the Handicapping Contest link at DMTC.com.

Here are the rules and facts around the Challenge:

  • $4,000 to enter with $3,000 to bankroll and $1,000 to prizes. 100% payout of prizes.
  • Del Mar live races only with three graded stakes, including the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby.
  • $100,000 in prizes include three Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge and four National Horseplayer Championship entries.
  • Win, place, show, exacta, trifecta and double wagering.
  • Wager at least $500 on three races and at least $3,000 for the Challenge.
  • Up to two entries per player. Limited to 100 total entries.
  • Qualifiers are offered on HorseTourneys.com.

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After Third-Place Finish In Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Firenze Fire To Stretch Out In Cigar Mile

Trainer Kelly Breen said Mr. Amore Stable's multiple graded-stakes winner Firenze Fire will make his next start in the Grade 1, $250,000 Cigar Mile on Dec. 5 at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, N.Y.

“He's back at Belmont and that's what we're pointing for,” said Breen.

The 5-year-old Poseidon's Warrior bay rallied from 11th to finish third last out in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint on Nov. 7 at Keeneland Racetrack under Jose Lezcano.

“It was a good race,” said Breen.

Breen said Lezcano, aboard for Firenze Fire's Grade 2 Vosburgh Invitational win on Sept. 26 at Belmont, will retain the mount for the Cigar Mile.

Top contenders confirmed for the Cigar Mile include Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby-winner King Guillermo and 2019 Grade 3 Discovery-winner Performer. Other horses under consideration for the Cigar Mile include New York-bred millionaire Mr. Buff and last-out Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap-winner Majestic Dunhill.

Breen took over training duties for Firenze Fire earlier this year and has saddled the horse to a record of two wins from six starts, including a victory in the Grade 2 True North on June 27 on a fast Belmont main track. Two of Firenze Fire's losses for Breen came in Grade 1 events – the Carter Handicap at Belmont and the Forego at Saratoga – on sloppy tracks.

The Cigar Mile Day card also includes a pair of Grade 2, $150,000 nine-furlong events for juveniles in the Remsen and its filly counterpart, the Demoiselle, as well as the Grade 3, $100,000 Go for Wand Handicap for fillies and mares at one mile.

Breen will send out New Jersey-bred Pickin' Time, a John Bowers, Jr. homebred, in the Remsen. The Stay Thirsty colt earned an 82 Beyer Speed Figure last out, winning the Grade 3 Nashua at a one-turn mile on the Big A main.

“He came out of it in good order,” said Breen.

Breen said Mr. Amore Stable's New York homebred It's a Gamble could target the $100,000 Central Park, a 1 1/16-mile turf tile for juveniles on Nov. 28 at Aqueduct.

“I'm not sure what we're going to do, but that is a possibility,” said Breen.

The English Channel bay graduated at first asking in a state-bred turf sprint on Aug. 13 at Saratoga ahead of a fourth in the one-mile Nownownow on Oct. 4 on the Monmouth Park turf. Last out, on Oct. 31, It's a Gamble bobbled at the start of the 1 1/16-mile Awad on yielding Belmont turf and failed to menace when seventh.

Gary and Mary West's Full Impact, a 3-year-old Street Sense colt, earned a 94 Beyer for his impressive 4 1/2-length score in a first-level allowance on Nov. 13 contested at 6 1/2-furlongs on a sloppy and sealed Big A main.

Out of the multiple graded stakes winning Even the Score mare Four Gifts, Full Impact was purchased for $140,000 at the Keenland September Yearling Sale.

Breen said no future targets have been set as of yet for the promising colt.

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Free Virtual Equine Industry Symposium Focuses On COVID-19 Response

Over the last eight months, the struggles of COVID-19 have affected our day-to-day lives. In the wake of the global pandemic, the theme of this year's Equine Industry Symposium will be RESILIENCE: Rethinking, Restructuring, Revaluating due to COVID-19. The event will be hosted as a live webinar via a zoom platform from November 16th through November 20th, 2020 each evening from 7 to 8 p.m. EST. This event is free upon advanced registration at the Eventbrite website.

How has COVID-19 affected you and your horse? Come find out at the 5th annual Equine Industry Symposium held virtually November 16-20, 2020.

Many of those in the equine industry have been impacted by the pandemic in multiple ways. Some of these challenges result from a lack of preparation, which can lead to insufficiencies both financial and of animal well-being. To address how to overcome these negative experiences and plan for a brighter future, each evening of this year's Equine Industry Symposium is focused on exploring the challenges presented by the pandemic, understanding its effects on the equine industry, discussing opportunities to re-evaluate and restructure, and proactively planning for situations similar to this that may occur in the years to come.

The symposium is hosted by students in the Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management Equine Management degree program at the University of Guelph, together with Ontario Equestrian and Equestrian Canada. Over the five evenings, live and pre-recorded speakers will discuss the effects of the pandemic in their areas of expertise followed by live question and answer sessions.

On Monday evening, Bronwynne Wilton from the Wilton Group will give a summary of the report provided to Equestrian Canada on the effects of COVID-19 on the equine industry. An open discussion with Danielle Glanc, farm policy analyst with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Jonathan Zammit, executive director of Ontario Racing, and Christine Reupke, director of Equestrian & Breed Sport at the Royal Horseshow in Toronto, Canada will provide insight on how they viewed and approached the pandemic from their respective equine communities.

On Tuesday evening, Melanie Barham will discuss farm and business planning. Sean Jones from Sunlife Financial will provide a five-step action list for designing a recession-proof financial plan. Catherine Willson, equine lawyer, and Mike King from Capri CMW insurance will discuss insurance implications and risk mitigation in light of COVID-19.

Wednesday evening will examine the effects of the pandemic on horse welfare. Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph, will present the minimum standards of care as outlined in the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare, will analyze what welfare means and how to cope with pandemic restrictions without compromising welfare. Bettina Bobsien will discuss responsible decision-making for older and retiring horses.

On Thursday evening, Stewart Everett, UK Equine Register, and Nic de Brauwere, Redwings Sanctuary, will outline the traceability program in the UK. Kristy House from Equestrian Canada will give a summary of how traceability will be implemented in Canada and how it will assist with emergency situations like the pandemic.

Friday evening will begin with an address from Assistant Deputy Minister Frederic Seppey, Market and Industry Service Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on how the equine industry is positioned and how the ministry can support the industry moving forward. Kristy House, Equestrian Canada and Tracey McCaugue-McElrea, Ontario Equestrian, will discuss how industry organizations are helping the industry as a whole. The symposium will conclude with highlights of some of the positives that have emerged from the pandemic.

While this event is free, attendees may wish to support “For the Herd”, an emergency fundraiser administered by Ontario Equestrian to assist riding schools that are struggling to provide for their horses due to the loss of revenue from lessons and camps due to COVID-19. All proceeds raised go toward riding school facilities and their school horses across the province. For more information and to donate visit the For the Herd Website.

Read more here.

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