Mario Gutierrez, the ever-so-popular jockey who gave thoroughbred racing a big shot in the arm with his ride to glory on I’ll Have Another with 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness victories, returns to his roots Tuesday at Hastings.  Mario won last week’s $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile aboard Wake Up Nick for trainer Doug O’Neil, also of I’ll Have Another fame.

At last look, Mario had 25 victories on the California circuit this season with earnings approaching $1.25 million.  His long-time friend and mentor Glen Todd says he’s hoping to convince Gutierrez to make more Hastings’ appearances this summer.