Spill Sidelines Russell Baze

Jockey Russell Baze, who has 410 wins this year and ranks fourth on the all-time list behind Laffit Pincay Jr., Bill Shoemaker and Pat Day with 8,484 victories, won’t be adding to either total the rest of 2003.

Baze, the perennial leader in the standings at both Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields, broke his collarbone in a mishap during Sunday’s third race at Golden Gate.

Baze was injured when Snoopy Cat, his mount in the third race, stumbled leaving the gate, unseating the rider and sending him to the sloppy track where he was struck by another horse, After The Run.

Named to ride seven horses on today’s card before the accident, Baze is expected to be sidelined for at least a month, meaning his lead in the jockey standings is almost certain to disappear. Baze had 28 winners through the first 21 days of the Golden Gate meet, 13 more than his closest pursuer, David Lopez, and double the total of Chad Schvaneveldt.

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Race of the day: Statement, a 3-year-old son of Singspiel trained by Christophe Clement, will make his California debut in today’s sixth at Hollywood Park. A winner against maidens in his U.S. bow at Belmont Park on Sept. 25, the Irish-bred will leave from the inside post in the $43,000 optional claimer at 1 1/4 miles on the turf. Hecandigit, Ibero Grace, Royal Price, Justice Minister, Unamedthegame, April Steel, Groom On The Run and Choir Master complete the field.

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One for the road: Federal Number catches a field with little speed as he stretches out for trainer John Morrison after a successful debut at 16-1 on Nov. 16. The Polish Numbers gelding may never look back under jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. in today’s sixth at Aqueduct. This is the first day of racing on the winterized inner track at Aqueduct and it will continue for the next 3 1/2 months.

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Exotically speaking: A pick four using Hotel Hall and Spicy Stuff in the fifth, Royal Price and Statement in the sixth, Remembrances in the seventh and Excessive Hayate, Amasolider and Hoo Gets the Gold in the eighth.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/45. Money: Previous day/meet total: $10/$222.80. Total money bet: $260.