Junior Alvarado, the jockey aboard the favourite Baeza in the Grade Two Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs, expressed his frustration after a disastrous start cost his horse a chance at victory. As the gates opened, Baeza was slow to exit, prompting Alvarado to yell, 'No, no, no,' as the field surged ahead.
Slow Start Leaves Favourite Trailing
Baeza, trained by Bill Mott and making his first start for the stable, lost approximately five lengths at the break. The commentator described it as a 'terrible beginning' for the four-year-old colt, who finished third in last year's Kentucky Derby. Despite the setback, Baeza rallied strongly, racing wide on the home turn to close on the leaders.
Dramatic Finish and Stewards Inquiry
In the final stretch, Baeza was beaten only a neck and half-a-length by winner Corporate Power and runner-up Skippylongstocking. A lengthy stewards inquiry followed, examining contact between the first two horses. Skippylongstocking's jockey, Tyler Gaffalione, lodged an objection against Jose Ortiz, rider of Corporate Power, alleging interference. However, the result stood, giving the 5-1 shot Corporate Power his first graded stakes win.
Ortiz commented, 'We won it fair and square. There never should have been an objection.' Racing fans praised Baeza's effort, with one writing on X, 'Terrible break. Super wide. Tough day at the office for Baeza, but he ran big.' Another added, 'He's primed for a big 4-year-old campaign.'
