Hughes impresses winning first start for Baffert

CYPRESS, Calif. – First-time starter Hughes, a colt by Into Mischief, ran to expectations when he easily won a maiden race at five furlongs on Sunday at Los Alamitos.

Hughes ($3.20) disputed the early pace with 8-1 High Pronto before taking the lead in early stretch. Hughes led by two lengths with a furlong remaining and won by six lengths, finishing in 57.22 seconds under jockey Joel Rosario. He earned an 81 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He finished really well for me,” Rosario said. “That was a good effort for him.”

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Hughes, trained by Bob Baffert for a partnership that includes Front Row Club, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, was purchased for $675,000 at the 2025 Keeneland September yearling sale.

Hughes could return in the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes at six furlongs on Aug. 8 at Del Mar.

Hughes was the second of three winners for Rosario on Sunday’s eight-race program. Rosario is booked to ride at Churchill Downs from Wednesday through Saturday this week.

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