A strong field of 10 is set to line up in this Sunday’s Alcatraz Stakes. It will be run at 1 mile on the turf for 3yos with a purse of $75,000. This year’s field features the top 3 finishers from the Silky Sullivan Stakes, as well as the California Derby winner. Also, there are a lot of up and coming 3yos looking to prove that they belong at the stakes level. Lets get into it.
#1 Seattle Bold (Thomas/ Frey)- The Jamey Thomas trainee comes into this one off a 2nd in the Silky Sullivan to None Above the Law and a 2nd in an ALW to Stalking Shadow. Was in a bit of traffic in the Silky Sullivan rounding the turn but was able to find an opening at the top of the stretch and finish off the race well in the final 1/16th. Like the addition of blinkers here to keep him a bit more focused. His only prior run on grass was a 4th place finish in a state-bred ALW race at Santa Anita. Would expect him to show some speed from the inside.
#2 J T’s Watch (France/ Espinoza)- Coming off a 3-4 wide trip to win a Starter Allowance over this same turf course at the beginning of the month. He checked a little on the first turn but was able to regroup and fight strongly to hold off Chief Jackson in the stretch. Has won 3 out of his last 4 starts so has some confidence, but is taking a major step up in class here against a talented field.
#3 Chief Jackson (Baker/ Antongeorgi)- Was away slow from the gates and settled at the back early in his last start. Rallied very nicely from last to run 2nd by a head. This will be his 2nd time routing which should help. Has really seemed to turn his form around once he transferred up to Golden Gate Fields from Southern California. Taking a big jump in class here.
#4 Que Sera Sir Ralph (Black/ Ayuso)- Coming off a maiden win over this turf course last time in his 8th lifetime start. His figures on paper are well behind the top contenders in here. Will need to improve a ton.
#5 Top Executive (Wright/ K Orozco)- Sprung a 35/1 upset in his 3yo debut last time out in an Allowance race. He rated outside the speed that day and was able to stay on to finish 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Top Harbor. This will be his first time routing and first time on grass, but I think he will be able to handle it as there is turf routing all over the pedigree. Seems like he’s been pointing to this one for awhile now. Would expect to see him forwardly placed early.
#6 Jungle Cry (Specht/ Martinez)- Ran on to be a close 3rd to older horses sprinting in an ALW race last out. Seems to be an improving 3yo as his speed figures in all 3 starts at Golden Gate Fields have gone up. Being by Animal Kingdom he should take well to the turf. Worked a 6f bullet in 1:13.60 last week. Expect him to be cranked and ready to go.
#7 Ida Claire (Jauregui/ Couton)- Gets a 5lb weight break as she is the lone filly in the race. Was last seen running 5th by 2 1/2 lengths in the California Oaks on the main track. Was able to break the maiden in her only prior turf start– she showed a strong turn of foot that day and leveled off nicely in the lane. I do think she is slightly best on turf. Obviously a tough ask in here but does seem like one that is improving.
#8 None Above the Law (Miller/ I Orozco)- The Silky Sullivan winner is looking for a stakes double at Golden Gate Fields this meet. Last out he saved a bit of ground early and was in a comfortable spot. While he did have to go very wide on the turn he was able to get in the clear for a strong stretch run. He has only run on the turf one time and that was as a 2yo where he finished 7th by just 2 1/2 lengths in a listed stake at Del Mar. Should get a lot of support at the windows and is razor sharp right now.
#9 Stalking Shadow (Wong/ Roman)- The California Derby winner is looking for a second stakes victory of the meet as he tries the turf for the first time. In his last two races he seemed to have come out of absolutely nowhere to rally and win. Always a hard trying horse and appears to be on top of his game right now. Minister’s Wildcat can throw a few turf runners and the dam was a winner on turf. Usually a slow work horse, but he is coming off a sharp 5f drill in 1:00.80 3/60. Is in great form and always shows up.
#10 Top Harbor (McCanna/ Alvarado)- Had a solid showing in his first route race by finishing 3rd in the Silky Sullivan Stakes. Was caught 3-4 wide the entire way and that seemed to catch up to him in the stretch as he lacked the necessary finish to win. Now he is making his 3rd start of the form cycle and I could definitely see him taking another step forward here. While the top of the pedigree doesn’t make you think turf, his dam was a multiple stakes winner on the grass. Will have to navigate a trip from the 10 post in here.
Selections: 9-5-8-6
#9 Stalking Shadow (9/2)- Improving every race and seems to be working well heading into this. Will look to do his best running late.
#5 Top Executive (12/1)- Should be forwardly placed in a race that doesn’t appear to have much pace on paper. Making 2nd start off the layoff.
#8 None Above the Law (5/2)- Coming off a strong win in the Silky Sullivan. Is to be respected in here.
#6 Jungle Cry (7/2)- Stretching out and turf should be no problem. Coming off of a sharp workout.
NorCal Horse Racing News 