Jockey Tyler Baze, sidelined since being injured last
summer, is scheduled to return to the saddle next week, his new agent, Craig
O’Bryan, said Sunday.
“He has three calls for Thursday,’’ said O’Bryan. “He
has been getting on horses for about a month at Turf Paradise and will have his
first start back there (Only Grace for trainer Kevin Lewis in the third race)
Monday.”
Baze, 28, suffered broken facial bones and lingering
vision problems after his mount (Night Justice) acted up approaching the
starting gate prior to the fifth race last July 24 at Del Mar.
Baze is part of a new wave of top young riders on the
Southern California circuit. He won his first
riding title at the 2004 Spring/Summer Meet and won the 2008 Hollywood Gold Cup
with Mast Track.
Veteran agent O’Bryan said he will also continue to
represent jockey David Flores.
Besides Only Grace, Baze also has a call in the
second race Wednesday at Turf Paradise on Yougottabekiddinme for trainer Justin
Treasure.
His three mounts on the Thursday card at Hollywood Park
are Southern Sugah in the third, Joyful
Success in the sixth and Krasavitsa in the eighth.