When Wes Hamilton didn't win race 3 at Laurel Park on Sunday, it assured Jorge Vargas Jr. his first career riding title.

Vargas, riding his first full meet in Maryland, has led almost from the start of the winter meet, whgich began Jan. 1 and concludes today.

Vargas had a healthy lead for much of the season but he hit a cold patch at the same time apprentice Wes Hamilton heated up. Hamilton went on to take a short recent lead in the standings but Vargas had a strong final week and coming into race 5 on Sunday held a four-win lead.

Vargas is represented by agent Scott Silver, the longtime agent for Trevor McCarthy, who picked up Vargas after McCarthy left for New York at the end of last year.