Bejarano riding into history book

No jockey in the past 35 years has taken the Southland by storm like Rafael Bejarano, who is on the verge of becoming the third rider and first since Patrick Valenzuela in 2003 to sweep the five major Southern California meets in one year. Chris McCarron also accomplished the feat in 1983.

Going into tonight's card at Hollywood Park, Bejarano is winning at a 27 percent clip and holds a commanding 19-10 lead over Garrett Gomez in the jockey standings. Michael Baze is third with eight wins.

Yes, Gomez is the man most trainers go to nationally when they are looking for a rider. Currently, Gomez leads the nation's jockeys with $21.8 million in earnings, but Bejarano sits third, right behind Kent Desormeaux ($14.8 million), with $14.7 million.

If the 26-year-old Bejarano continues to make California his home, he's going to be a force to be reckoned with for quite a while. He's the real deal. Polished, patient and a joy to work with, from what we hear.