Barretts at Fairplex: As usual, Pedroza in front in jockeys' race

POMONA, Calif. – Edwin Maldonado rode two winners Saturday at the Los Angeles County Fair, including comebacker Majestic Stride in the race-10 feature, but the 2012 meet’s leading rider is chasing a moving target.

Martin Pedroza, the all-time leading Barretts at Fairplex jockey, rode three winners for the second straight day to take a 6-2 lead after two days. Pedroza led the standings 13 consecutive seasons until Maldonado’s 2012 title.

Pedroza rode more winners Saturday, but Maldonado won the richest race. Majestic Stride, making his first start since a fifth-place finish in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes in February 2012, returned with a convincing 2 ½-length win in the first-level allowance.

Jeff Bonde trains Majestic Stride, who pressed the pace set by 6-5 favorite D’pendable, took command on the far turn and cruised home in 1:11.99 for six furlongs. Syndicated finished second; First Strike ran third. D’pendable faded to last.

The win by Majestic Stride ($9.60) was his second from four starts.

Favorites won four of 11 races Saturday. For the second straight day, there was one winning ticket in the pick six. The pick six Saturday returned $22,110.