Tyler Baze Wins First Race Since Alcohol-Related Suspension

 ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -- Changethechannel led all the way in winning the $58,000 Venus Purse by a neck at Santa Anita on Friday, giving jockey Tyler Baze his first victory in seven months.

The 5-year-old Kentucky-bred mare ran 1 1/4 miles on the turf in 2:00.02 and paid $27.40, $12.40 and $9.20 at 12-1 odds.

Baze was sidelined in July because of alcohol-related problems, and was allowed to resume riding on Jan. 1. It was his first win since June 9.

The 31-year-old jockey also rode Changethechannel to her last win on Nov. 23, 2012.

Passionate Diva returned $7.60 and $4.40, while Scooter Bird was another length back in third and paid $3.40 to show.

The victory, worth $34,800, increased Changethechannel's career earnings to $134,050, with four wins in 12 starts. It was her first win on the turf in four tries.