PEDROZA WINS SEVEN ON OPENING DAY

Pomona, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2008) - Jockey Martin Pedroza won a record seven races on the opening day of Fairplex Park's 70th racing season.

The seven bagger ties the California record for most victories on a single program, held jointly by Laffit Pincay, Jr., and Victor Espinoza.

Pedroza's seven triumphs also eclipsed the former Pomona mark held by David Flores who won six races on Sept. 20, 1992.

The Panamanian-born Pedroza came to Fairplex one winner shy of a personal milestone of 3,000 career winners, and got that on his first ride of the meet, guiding Airplane Attendant ($7.60) to a neck victory in the second race.

He proceeded to visit the charmed circle six more times with Ghosttrapper ($3.80), Kula Girl ($3), Mandate Habit ($7.20), One Track Mind ($3.60), Bad Boy ($7.20) and Trevor's Clever ($6.40).

On reaching 3,000 winners Pedroza said, "Winning at Fairplex is very special to me. I wanted to do it at Del Mar because of the all the competition, but I don't mind winning here. Fairplex has been special to me."

Jockeys Tyler Baze and Michael Martinez escaped serious injury in Friday's fourth race when both were unseated shortly after the start of the seven furlong race.

After running about a furlong ,Just Miss, ridden by Martinez, suddenly swerved inward. Martinez lost his balance and fell.

Yoursmynanours, handled by Baze, spooked when Just Miss veered inward, and made a left turn, crashing through the temporary rail and unseating Baze.

The 2-year-old filly continued running toward the inside rail at full speed, and jumped the fence. She wound up running loose in the infield, while a riderless Just Miss ran after the field on the main track.

Both riders were taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and were released were later in the afternoon. Trevor's Clever rallied from seventh and last to win the $65,000 Jim Kostoff Stakes for 3-year-olds by a nose over pacesetting Wink At The Girls in 1:45.27 for the 1 1/16 miles.

Trained by Ted H. West, Trevor's Clever, winner of the Alydar Stakes at Hollywood Park, was Pedroza's seventh and final winner on the 13-race program.

"He really kicked it in the final furlong," said Pedroza.

Trevor's Clevor may be seen next in the $100,000 Pomona Derby on Sept. 20.

"That's been the plan all along," explained West. "I was a little worried about the short stretch today. I told Martin to not be afraid to move early with him because he needs to get some momentum going. He doesn't accelerate quickly."