GOLDEN GLIMPSES #62 GOLDEN GLIMPSES #62 TROUBLES BEHIND HIM, FLORES FLOURISHES WITH SIPHON
A year ago, I sought an interview with David Flores on his progress in his fight against substance abuse.
He turned me down. "I'm just not ready," the 29-year-old native of Tijuana said glumly. His confidence level was low. But he knew whereof he spoke. A short time later, Flores had relapsed and was in a rehabilitation program.
What a difference a year makes.
His troubles are behind him and he's the regular rider of two of the nation's leading stakes horses, Santa Anita Handicap winner Siphon, the record-setting Isitingood, and Kentucky Derby prospect Free House. Through March 9, Flores ranked ninth nationally in earnings with more than $1.5 million. Quite a plateau for a jockey known for his success at Fairplex Park, a 5/8-mile track in Pomona where he is a six-time champion and the all-time leading rider.
"Yes, you can talk to me about it now," Flores said with pride, his eyes widening and a smile beaming on his face. "It's something that's behind me and I feel good about it. I'm starting again and I'm grateful to have another chance." And he's making the most of it, thanks to horses like Siphon and Isitingood.
"Siphon is the best horse I've ever ridden," said Flores, who will make his first trip to Dubai to ride the front-running Brazilian-bred in the $4-million World Cup on March 29. "He's good from the gate and good at getting a position. He's easy to ride. When I put him on the lead, he relaxes, but he's not like that in the mornings. It's hard to keep him in company with other horses when I work him."
Siphon and Flores don't have the recognition factor of Cigar and Jerry Bailey, but that doesn't bother David. He's thrilled to have a modicum of success right in his own backyard. "Just to be in the top 10 here is something special," Flores said. "It's hard to be successful in this colony of jocks. But I'm lucky to be back, and I'm healthy, working hard and have a good agent, Jim Pegram, who's done a great job."
Flores has a reputation as a speed rider, one who's style is naturally compatible with front-runners. Trainer Bob Baffert says it's impossible to get past Flores when he's on the lead. But David is not sold on that perception.
"It depends on the horse," Flores said. "I know what my reputation is, but I can come from behind and win, too. It doesn't matter. It's like when I won the Hollywood Gold Cup on Siphon last year. I had little experience in a million-dollar race. But when I ride good horses, they give me confidence. If I'm on the right horse, it doesn't matter. I just have to follow the instructions they give me and get lucky."
It was more than luck, however, that helped Flores vanquish his personal demons.
"I thought it was over for me last time, but thanks to support from my family and friends, the Winners Foundation and the Shoemaker Foundation, I've been able to come back.
"(Richard) Mandella and Baffert have also been very supportive. To be riding horses like Siphon and Isitingood, and to ride with such great jockeys, is very special to me. I had kind of given up on myself. I knew what I was doing wasn't right. Mandella, Baffert and the other trainers -- I don't know if they just forget about my past, or what, but I don't think about that anymore. I concentrate on today and tomorrow and the future. That's all that matters to me now.
"It was my prayers and the power of God that helped me, too. I turned to Him and He took care of everything in my life. Now I just have to work hard and He'll do the rest."
GOLDEN PICKS
ASKABOUT -- Closed with interest in 6 1/2-furlong debut, will benefit from stretch-out against claiming maidens.
HONEST ALIBI -- Well-meant in debut but couldn't overcome slow start, wide stretch run versus claiming maidens. Still closed well for third.
I AIN'T BLUFFING -- Ron Ellis barn is back and firing and this filly won with enough in the tank for a few more victories.
MIDDLEBERG -- Well-meant going down the hill in U.S. debut, didn't have best trip but just missed in first start in four months. Primed for victory.
MIGHTY MIGHT -- Bought for $100,000 from Northern California trainer Tom Roberts, gray daughter of Runaway Groom looks like bargain for Wally Dollase after breaking her maiden with a scintillating move.
TOUCH GOLD -- Classy colt broke behind his field but rallied for smashing triumph, indicating stakes victories are in his future.
THE HOMESTRETCH: Santa Anita president Clifff Goodrich reports no progress in the simulcast impasse, and, at this point, does not expect it to be resolved before the meet ends on April 21. "It appears unlikely, it really does," said Goodrich, adding the Los Angeles Turf Club is still considering litigation against the Thoroughbred Owners of California for its demand of a 4.0 percentage fee from the Nevada Pari-mutuel Association, as opposed to the 3.5 agreed upon earlier by Santa Anita. "We're looking at every possible alternative to either resolve this, and/or make sure it never happens again.". . . Darrell Vienna, representing Patrick Valenzuela on misdemeanor charges, says the jockey wants to re-apply for his license. His pre-trial hearing is April 29 . . . Add Golden winners: Espartero, $5.20, Pareja, $3.80 . . . Chris Antley has been idle so long, his name is not even listed in Santa Anita's current condition book. The Antman has not ridden in five months.
The Running Horse (http://www.isd1.com/)
