Today’ s 7-race card felt like a 10 race card, as there were multiple fog delays throughout the day. Luckily the patience of everyone payed off and they were able to fit the whole card in.
Midwest training powerhouse, Larry Rivelli, has stationed a barn of 17 horses on the west coast at Golden Gate Fields for the Winter/Spring meet. Rivelli has been the leading trainer at Arlington Park for many years, and his success over that synthetic track makes the move to Golden Gate Fields a bit easier. Also, his top rider Jose Valdivia Jr came into town to ride both of his entries on the card. They’ve teamed up to win over 35% of their last 139 mounts together.
It would not take long for Rivelli to find the winner’s circle at Golden Gate, as he won with his first entry of the meet. Dom the Bomb was the 7/5 favorite in a 5.5f $4000 Starter Allowance, and took them all the way to win. Then, 30 minutes later, Rivelli and Valdivia Jr combined for another win. They took a 6f open allowance race that had some quality runners in it. Win machine, Richiesinthehouse, went to the lead and took some pressure from Sunset Dragunn– he would eventually put him away and go on to take a 2 1/2 length length victory. This son of Sydney’s Candy returned off a 4 month layoff to win his 8th race in 11 starts. Runner up in the race was stakes winner Touched by Autism– he ran a nice race after not having the most comfortable trip from the rail. 3rd place went to the late running Rye. He could be a horse to look for next time going 2-turns. This seemed like a spot to get a race under him– he had a very strong gallop out after the wire too.
Jockeys: Valdivia jumped into the standings with 2 wins, and he is slated to ride more horses for Rivelli over the weekend. Not sure if he will be getting enough mounts to contend for the riding title, or if he will even be riding full time at Golden Gate this meet, but he is definitely a talented rider to keep an eye on. Abel Cedillo won the nightcap, which pulls him within 1 of the leader, Juan Hernandez.
- Hernandez *16* 2. Cedillo *15* T-3. Gomez, Amador, Orozco *6*
Trainers: Rivelli started the meet off strong with 2 wins. Blaine Wright jumped into the outride lead after taking the opener with longshot Pattyville.
- Wright *7* T-2. Wong, Delia, Hollendorfer *6*
Racing resumes tomorrow with a 8-race card. 1st post is 12:45pm.
NorCal Horse Racing News 