Omega Code best in San Miguel

ARCADIA, Calif. - Omega Code on Sunday gave jockey Martin Pedroza the boost he desperately needed.

After missing 10 days last month because of suspension, suffering through a 1-for-40 slump at the start of the Santa Anita meeting and escaping injury in a spill last Wednesday, Pedroza guided Omega Guide to a one-length victory in the $107,800 San Miguel Stakes.

"I needed that," Pedroza said. "The slump really hurt my business. It really slowed me down."

Pedroza had Omega Code well-placed throughout the San Miguel, which was run over six furlongs. After breaking from the rail, Pedroza eased Omega Code to the outside of Only the Best and Bossanova, who dueled through an opening quarter mile of 21.38 seconds.

"I didn't want to get in a three-way speed duel," Pedroza said. "He might have gotten tired."

Omega Code was a length behind Only the Best after a half-mile in 44.12 seconds and wore down the pacesetter in early stretch. Through the final furlong, Omega Code pulled away to win by a length in 1:08.65.

Only the Best finished second, five lengths in front of Jimmy O, who was followed by Echeverria and Bossanova.

Omega Code races for Dan Butler and Mike Moore and trainer Wesley Ward. A Florida-bred, Omega Code has won three of five starts and $159,990. Last fall, Omega Code won the Ron and Jess Cloud Memorial Stakes at the Big Fresno Fair and finished third in the Gilded Time Stakes at Arlington Park.

Ward mentioned the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash for California-breds and Florida-breds at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 25 as a possibility for Omega Code.