Last Saturday we saw a breakout performance from 3yo sprinter Baja Sur. He started his career at Emerald Downs and was able to win his first 4 starts, all in impressive fashion. Then, his trainer Blaine Wright took him to Northern California and Baja Sur’s first NorCal start would be in the Harris Farm Stakes at Fresno. He ran a strong 2nd that day and proved that he could compete at this level. His next start would be in the Oakland Stakes, which he went on to win by a commanding 4 1/4 lengths this past weekend. The final time was 1:08.68 for 6f, which earned him a 100 Beyer Speed Figure. His speed figures continue to get faster, and he is on the rise as an improving 3yo. There were 2 things he proved in this race that impressed me. Those were that he was able to handle the synthetic surface, and that he was able to sit-off of the pace. Juan Hernandez gave him a nice ride from the 2 hole, and was able to get him to relax very easily before wheeling him out. Blaine Wright said in an interview with the SF Chronicle that he believes Baja Sur can route— that leaves plenty of options for his next start. If he stays sprinting then this is quite the 1-2 punch in the sprint division for the Wright barn. He trains both Baja Sur and Lost In the Fog Stakes winner Anyportinastorm.
Runner-up in the Oakland Stakes was Sigur Ros. His trainer Andy Mathis has done a great job getting him back into form. This 5yo Gemologist gelding is what you might call a “synthetics specialist”– he is 6-4-1-0 lifetime on the tapeta. He shot straight to the lead and looked like he was still full of run despite setting quick fractions of 21.75 and 44.12. In the stretch, he didn’t come back to the field, Baja Sur just powered past him. Sigur Ros ran his 2nd consecutive Beyer of 91 and proved he can hang at this level. The favorite Oiseau de Guerre ran his race, it just was not good enough. He loomed up on the inside on the turn, but just couldn’t cut into the margin in the stretch. His 88 Beyer was consistent with his last 2 efforts, where he earned 88 and 90 Beyers respectively. Smokey Image ran a much improved race (88 Beyer) and grinded away in the stretch for 4th. His gallop-out was very strong and looks like he could improve with more distance– the lightbulb may have come back on.
Just 3 days of racing last week, but I still wanted to add a few runners to the ‘Horses to Watch’ list. The last one did really well in terms of views so this is going to be something I want to do on a more consistent basis.
‘Horses to Watch’ highlights horses that should be followed for potential wagering options in the future. Virtual stables or stable mail are good tools to help you follow along.
Moonlight Mystique (Nov 15: Race 5) Was sent off as the longest shot in the field in this 6-horse 6250 claimer on the turf. She settled well off the pace and made a big move in-hand on the turn. At the 1/8th poll she looked loaded, but was boxed in with nowhere to go. If you see the head-on replay you can see that she had to swing from the 1-path to the 5-path after her momentum was stopped. I believe she would have been right there at the wire if she was able to get a clean run. Hopefully we can see her back at this level on the grass next time out.
Madame Overserved (Nov 17: Race 4) 3yo filly was sent off at 7/2 in her career debut here for trainer Reid France. Has a great pedigree as she is by Curlin and out of the Foxhound mare Foxy Socks (multiple graded stakes winner). Madame Overserved is also a full sister to multiple stakes winner Curlin’s Fox. She broke good and sat in a stalking position. In the stretch she ran on really well to just miss by a neck on the wire. Looks talented and seems like one that could improve off that debut. 2 turns should fit her well.
Updates:
- Breeders Cup Juvenile runner-up Anneau d’Or posted his first workout since his race. Worked 4f in 48.60 on 11/16. His next start is likely to be in the G2 Los Alamitos Futurity.
- Joseph T. Grace Stakes winner Mugaritz worked 5f in 1:00.80 on 11/16. The G3 Berkeley Handicap on Nov 30th seems like a likely spot for him.
- The next stakes race is the Golden Gate Debutante on 11/29, and should feature a strong/competitive field.
- Recent impressive debut-winning 2yo Laura’s Light has been privately purchased and is now in the barn of Peter Miller. She is nominated to the G3 Jimmy Durante Stakes, along with Been Studying Her, Bulletproof One, and Wise Rachel.
- Ari Herbertson’s Premium Forest has been nominated to the $110,000 Iron Horse at Gulfstream Park– it is a part of the Claiming Crown event
- Live racing resumes Thursday at Golden Gate Fields with a 7-race card. Here is the overnight https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaDownloadAction.cfm?sn=ONSC-GG-20191121D
NorCal Horse Racing News 