Santa Anita: Tyler Baze winless in return

ARCADIA, Calif. - Tyler Baze was winless with five mounts on Wednesday, his first day of riding since June following a suspension for alcohol abuse.

Baze, 31, was third with two mounts – Q’Viva in the seventh and Grand Humor in the ninth.

“It was a good day,” Baze said after the last race. “The winners will come.

“I thought I’d get tired, but I felt good. I could have ridden another five.”

Baze was suspended four months for failing an alcohol field test at Hollywood Park in June. He underwent a 60-day residency rehabilitation program in late summer and early fall and is currently residing in a sober living house, he told the stewards last month.

Baze has three mounts on Saturday’s nine-race program, including the English import Black Spirit in the $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes on turf.

◗ Beginning Saturday, Santa Anita is guaranteeing the pick six pool will reach $150,000 on Saturdays through April 20. The pool often exceeds $150,000 anyway. Last Saturday, the pick six pool was $187,919.