GGF Recap- Sir Vronski as Good as Ever- 1/18/2019

Making his 39th career start, the 8 year old Vronsky gelding was bet down to even money favoritism in the 6th race– it was an Allowance race going 6f over the main track. Sir Vronski sat a patient trip under Alejandro Gomez on the rail behind the leader Mikes Tiznow. He was left with some work to do in the stretch, but ultimately was able to run him down in time to win his 22nd career race. Since being claimed for just $3200 in 2016 by owner Allen Aldrich and trainer Quinn Howey, he has been able to rattle off 14 wins. Over the last 2 years alone, he has managed to win over $174k in prize money. Also, a fun pedigree fact is that he is the 1/2 brother to multiple graded stakes winner Sircat Sally. Sir Vronski might be 8 years old, but he is still running at a high level and winning races– he is a fan favorite, and I am looking forward to seeing the rest of his 2019 season. 

Some other notables on the card:

Win machine Mr. Twinery, took the 2nd race (5 1/2f 12500 Starter Allowance) to make it 4 straight wins. He showed his customary early speed, and wired the field to win by an easy 5 lengths. The Hollendorfer trainee is now 10 for 15 lifetime. 

If you follow the Golden Gate circuit, you are probably familiar with the winner of race 5. The 2017 Lost In The Fog Stakes winner, Quick and Silver, took them all the way as he was able to hold on by a diminishing neck. Stablemate Mal Verde just missing on the line gave trainer Blaine Wright the exacta in this 40k claiming heat. The speedy veteran Quick and Silver now has 15 of his 16 lifetime wins over this tapeta surface. 

Jockeys: 

Abel Cedillo and Catalino Martinez each took 2 races on today’s card. Cedillo has now widened his lead in the jockey standings to 3. 

1. Cedillo *22* 2. Hernandez *19* 3. Ocasio *10*

Trainers:

All 8 races on the program were won by different trainers. Leading trainer Jonathan Wong won the opener to extend his lead to 6 in the trainer standings.

1. Wong *14* T-2. Wright, Delia *8*

Live racing resumes tomorrow with a 9-race card to start the 3rd day of this 5-day race week– first post is 12:45pm. It is a fun card with some great betting races. Empressive Cat and Hollywood Hills square off in a rematch (after their dead-heat) against a very competitive field in race 7.