Baze two wins from 9,000

ALBANY, Ca. - Jockey Russell Baze scored victories in the final two races on Wednesday's card at Golden Gate Fields and now is within two wins of 9,000 for his career.

Baze, who trails only Laffit Pincay on the all-time win list, won with Mahalo ($3.60) in a $62,500 optional claimer for fillies and mares at six furlongs and then took the nightcap aboard Somuch Higher ($15) in a $32,000 maiden claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Baze has six mounts on Thursday, including morning-line favorites Somethinaboutlaura, No Whining and Queen of the Hunt, who is part of an entry.

Jockey Joe Castro was blanked Wednesday and remains one victory from 2,000 career wins.