They Said It -- Baze

THEY SAID IT

"He was an A-1 perfect jockey when I had him. He showed up at 5:30 every

morning when he had workers and rode them perfectly in the afternoon. He was a

good kid. I liked him a lot."

—jockey

agent Brian Beach, who had handled Baze's book for a couple of months on the

Southern California circuit

"I knew him well when I rode with him in Chicago last year. I can't believe

it happened to that boy. He was such a good rider with such a bright future. I

knew he had a little bit of a drinking problem, but would never expect anything

like this. You need a good companion to make the right moves."

—veteran jockey

Octavio Vergara, who became close to Baze last year

"I just feel so bad because he was such a kind person and a good rider. He

worked so hard. You don't get to be leading rider at Hollywood Park unless

you're really good. It's really a tragedy."

—trainer

Vladimir Cerin

"I was shocked. He was a nice kid, 24 years old."

—trainer

Humberto Ascanio, who has sons about Baze's age

"How can you not be shocked?"

—trainer

Barry Abrams