SAN MATEO, Calif. - In this corner, the 26-time champion: Russell Baze. In the other corner, the up-and-comer: Jason Lumpkins.
Baze has not lost a riding title at a northern California meeting he has competed in since winning his first title at the 1980-81 Bay Meadows meeting.
Last spring, Lumpkins gave Baze a his sternest challenge for a championship during the 56-day Bay Meadows spring meeting.