With a natural “hat trick” on Sunday’s program, apprentice rider
Eswan Flores climbed into a tie for third place in Santa Anita’s
standings with 15 wins. The 18-year-old native of Jalisco, Mexico, has
been riding with a seven-pound weight allowance but will add two pounds
and compete with a five-pound advantage with one more victory, which
will give him 40 in his fledgling career.
Flores won Sunday’s first race aboard Smil’n From Above; the second on You Can Dream; and the third on Warren’s Morgan.
“The more you win, the more confidence you have,” said Eswan,
who is represented by agent Joe Griffin. “I definitely have a lot more
confidence than when I came here. It takes time. With practice comes
more confidence. I’ve been practicing a lot in the mornings and working
hard.”