Russell Baze guides Central Heat to victory in Luther Burbank Handicap

Russell Baze’s 57th birthday isn’t until Friday, but the world’s winningest rider got an early present Sunday as he guided Central Heat to victory in the $61,505 Luther Burbank Handicap at the Sonoma County Fair.

Baze collected 10 percent of the winner’s share which amounted to $4,110. Not bad for less than the two minutes it took to run the 1 1/16-mile turf race.

“She ran perfect,” Baze said “We were close up turning into the stretch and when she decided to run, I knew we had it won.”

Walking Central Heat into the winner’s circle is becoming routine for the rider. They have a five-race winning streak.

In winning the Burbank, the mare showed her heart. She was passed by Southern California invader Aguafria in the upper stretch and rallied to score the victory by a little more than a length. Aguafria faded to third as Meeting Waters closed fast to grab second.

As the betting favorite, Central Heat returned $4.20 for a $2 win ticket. She has now earned $295,791. Trainer Bill Delia owns a share of the 6-year-old as does Dave Del Debbio and Dana Rocheford.

“She’s great,” Delia said. “What a mare.”

Baze, the perennial leading rider here, also won the fourth race on Sunday aboard Doc West.

NOTES

Three jockeys accounted for seven of the nine race wins Sunday. Ricardo Gonzalez won three while Baze and Hernandez took two apiece.

Jerry Hollendorfer, many times leading trainer locally, had two winners Sunday. He won with first-time starter Cajun Cookin in the eighth race and Easter Lilian in the 10th.

The Haskell Invitational was shown on the large infield video screen and American Pharoah’s victory at Monmouth Park was met with loud applause.

Geyserville resident Barbara Banke had her Stonestreet Farm silks carried to victory Sunday at Saratoga by Rachel’s Valentina. The homebred is the first foal out of Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra to race. She rallied to win the second race in what was her career debut.

Attendance for the first week of racing at the fair was up around 50 percent compared to last year, director of racing Richard Lewis said.

The first Derby Dog Dash of the summer was Sunday and Donna Perrone’s Lefty captured the championship.

Racing resumes Thursday with action beginning at 1:15 p.m.

See results from Sunday’s races on this page.