Baze Is Back on Track

Jockey Russell Baze, who ranked second in the country last year with 410 wins, will try for his first victory of 2004 today at Golden Gate Fields.

Fourth on the all-time list behind Laffit Pincay, Bill Shoemaker and Pat Day with nearly 8,500 wins, Baze has been absent since he broke his right collarbone in a Nov. 30 starting-gate accident.

The leading rider in Northern California for many years, Baze is riding four horses today -- Dazzling American in the second, Bettor Royalty in the sixth, Big Feeler in the seventh and Bien Dancing in the eighth. Three of Baze’s rides will be for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Dazzling American will be looking to end a four-race losing streak, Bettor Royalty is dropping in search of his ninth lifetime victory and Bien Dancing won two in a row under Baze last summer.

Race of the day: Lion Tamer, who won the 2003 Hutcheson Stakes for owner Michael Tabor and trainer Todd Pletcher, will make his first start since he finished sixth in the Blue Grass Stakes on April 12 in today’s eighth at Gulfstream Park. The Will’s Way colt has trained well and is two for two over the track. John Velazquez will ride in the $38,000 optional claimer at seven furlongs.

One for the road: Purge, also trained by Pletcher, was impressive in his only start at Saratoga on Aug. 16 and should make a successful comeback in today’s fifth at Gulfstream. Velazquez will be aboard the Pulpit colt in the $34,000 allowance at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Lori M’Love, Tell No Tales and A Reel Tizzy in the sixth, Polygreen in the seventh and Borasca, Miss Cyprus, Little Mis General and Charlotte Forever in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/74. Money: Previous day/meet total: $26.80/$401.80. Total money bet: $416.