Hugo Herrera may only hold a slim lead over Francisco Monroy in the jockey standings, as the Humboldt County Fair heads into the homestretch of its 128th race meet, but “Hurricane” Hugo has a key advantage as he bids for an eighth Humboldt riding title.

Saturday and Sunday will compose the 128th meet’s final two racing programs — there will be free admission both days — with post time for the opener 2:15 p.m. each day.

Hugo has piloted 12 winners and compiled 87 points (based on Gunnar Froines scoring system with 5 points for a win, 3 for second and 1 for third), giving him just a one-point edge over Monroy. But Monroy received a one-day suspension that he is forced to serve Sunday (except for riding in the C.J. Hindley-Humboldt County Marathon Handicap), giving Herrera a golden opportunity to capture that eighth championship. Monroy will need a multiple-win afternoon Saturday and then hope Hugo does not overtake him on the “Getaway Day” card.

Herrera is aiming to match the legendary Danny Boag as the only eight-time Humboldt riding champs in modern history.

Meanwhile, Francisco Rodriguez saddled three more winners over the Labor Day weekend to pad his lead in the Humboldt trainer’s standings. Rodriguez has saddled eight winners in the day’s opening six days and has built up a 21-point lead over multiple Humboldt runner-up Gary Greiner, who is making his 51st appearance at a Humboldt meet.

The Sunday finale will be headlined by the 70th edition and richest-ever running of the $50,000 C.J. Hindley-Humboldt County Marathon Handicap at 1-5/8 miles where horses cross the finish line four times on this half-mile track. It is a unique event and will be carded as the last race on the meet’s final day.

Jockey standings: Hugo Herrera, 87 points; Francisco Monroy, 86 points; Epifanio Garcia, 57 points; Leonel Camacho-Flores, 34 points; Cristobal Herrera, 29 points; Jose Rodriguez, 24 points; Cerapio Figueroa,19 points; McKenzie King, 15 points.

Trainer standings:  Francisco Rodriguez, 63 points; Gary Greiner, 42 points; D Wayne Baker, 30 points; Tim Abraham, 29 points; Jim Craig, 27 points; Emilio Guerrero, 23 points; Marsha Stortz, 21 points; Jesus Ramos, 20 points; Jim Gilmour, 15 points.