Brave Raj Gives Corey Black His First Stakes Win

Thanks in part to Pat Valenzuela’s decision to ride Al Mamoon in the Arlington Million, Sunday became a day to remember for apprentice jockey Corey Black.

Black, picking up the ride from Valenzuela aboard Brave Raj in the $199,825 Del Mar Debutante, rode the two-year old Rajab filly to a 3 1/2-length victory in front of 28,417 fans for his first -stakes win.

That was just part of a day in which Black rode five winners, the most by an apprentice jockey here since Rudy Rosales rode six in 1969.

Brave Raj, who had won the Sorrento Stakes under strong urging from Valenzuela two weeks ago, took Black’s cue Sunday, squeezing through a tight hole at the rail around the final turn and breezing free down the stretch.

“That certainly wasn’t a very big hole she got through, but it did widen once we got there,” Black said. “When we got clear, I hit her a couple of times. I didn’t want to blow this one.”

Black, 17, went on to win aboard Joab, another mount he picked up from Valenzuela, in the ninth race to complete his first five-win day.

“This has to be my best day ever,” Black said. “I knew once Pat decided to ride in the Million, I’d have a chance at riding (in the Debutante). I’m happy to get that first big win.”

For Black, getting a chance to ride in the Debutante was no easy doing, however. Mel Stute, Brave Raj’s trainer, had been happy with Valenzuela and wanted Del Mar’s leading rider to be aboard Sunday.

“I’ll have to admit there was some pressure putting the apprentice (Black) on,” Stute said. “But he’s been riding so well, and riding so well for me, I didn’t worry too much about it.”

Black said it took Stute about week to convince the horse’s owner, Dolly Green, that he could handle the mount.

Brave Raj, the 3-to-2 favorite, paid $5.00, $3.60 and $2.60. Road To Happiness, ridden by Frank Olivares, finished second and returned $5.00 and $3.40. Soft Copy, with Russell Baze up, paid $3.60 to show.

Del Mar Notes

Thirteen horses, including La Jolla Mile and Del Mar Derby winner Vernon Castle, are entered for today’s $300,000 Del Mar Handicap. The race, to be run at 1 3/8 miles on the turf course, is the richest ever contested here. . . . Corey Black, with his five winners Sunday, is now in second place in the jockey standings with 35 winners. Pat Valenzuela leads with 48.