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

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.