The feature on Monday’s card at Golden Gate Fields was Race 7, and it was a first condition allowance going 1 1/6m on the main track for 4yos and up. The Jonathan Wong trained Mugaritz was able to get his 2nd straight win since returning off a 9 month layoff. Mugaritz had zero success to start his career in Southern California, but the barn change and addition of blinkers has made a world of difference for this 4yo son of Dialed In. Since the change to the Wong barn, he is now an impressive 4 for 7 with a stakes placing. Jockey Abel Cedillo sat patiently in 2nd behind the leader and began to make his move for the lead on the turn– he was loaded entering the stretch, and had enough to hold off the late-running Alsatian. Mugaritz continues to improve, and has been a fun horse to follow since his Golden Gate debut in a 20k maiden claimer. He is versatile and has conditions left, so there are many potential options for his next race.
It took awhile for Desert Myst to make the races, but the patience was worth the wait, as this 4yo filly won impressively on debut. She had a solid work tab and trainer Bill Morey does a good job with first time starters (17% with his last 42 firsters)– she was sent off at odds of 2/1. Today she broke well and sat in a stalking position under jockey Chester Bonnet. She made a strong move on the turn and kicked on very impressively to win by a wrapped up 2 1/2 lengths. The 5 1/2f race was clocked in a swift 1:03.46. She is by Breeders Cup winner Desert Code, and is a half sister to turf sprint debut winner, Summer Wine.
Jockeys: Abel Cedillo had another strong day– he won 3 of the 8 races on the card. Also, Julien Couton makes it back to back 2 win days.
- Cedillo *29* 2. Hernandez *22* 3. Martinez *12*
Trainers: Jonathan Wong extended his lead after having 2 wins on the card. Along with Mugaritz, he also won the 3rd race with International Diva.
- Wong *18* 2. Wright *10* 3. Delia *9*
There will be a new Horses to Watch list on Wednesday, so be on the lookout for that.
Live racing will resume on Friday with an 8-race card– first post is at 12:45pm.
NorCal Horse Racing News 