Saturday’s Albany Stakes is the last stakes race of the Winter/Spring Meet at Golden Gate Fields. It is for 3yos and up going 5f on the turf for a purse of $50,000. The Albany goes as race 9 and has a post time of 5:10pm. Let’s get into it.
#1 Bettor Trip Nick (Howey/ Frey): His only prior try on the turf was routing in the Alcatraz Stakes last year where he finished a respectable 3rd. He has shown that he is much better sprinting and his pedigree has turf on both sides being by Boat Trip and out of an In Excess mare. Speed is his best weapon and would expect him to send early from the rail. His Allowance win 2 starts back was solid and the figure fits with the others in here.
#2 Give Me the Lute (Mathis/ Orozco): Is making his first start of 2021 and was last seen running 3rd in the Joseph T. Grace Stakes in November. Was lights out in 2 starts going 5f on the turf at Golden Gate fields last year. Has some early speed but seems versatile. Comes in off some sharp works and his trainer Andy Mathis is a solid 22% off 90+ day layoffs. Also, Mathis is looking for a 3-peat in the Albany as he won it in 2019 and 2020 with Mike’s Tiznow.
#3 Brandothebartender (Dollase/ Espinoza): The hard hitting 8yo gelding is still sharp as a tack and at the top of his game. The likely favorite comes into this one off of 2 stakes victories at Santa Anita. Last out he won going 1m on the turf in the Crystal Water and 2 back won going 6f on the turf in the Sensational Star. He will let the speed clear early and then try to use a strong late finish to mow them down late.
#4 Slam Dunk Sermon (Specht/ Alvarado): Was a late suplemental entry into the Albany. He has only one prior race on the grass and it was at 5f– that day he found himself well behind the leaders and finished strong to end up 2nd by 3/4 of a length. His last two tries were on the main track where he could only manage 4th and 6th place efforts against Allowance company. Taking a step up here but must be doing well based on the last workout on June 6 going 5f in 1:00.20. Envision a stalking trip for him in here.
#5 Exhalting (O’Neill/ Martinez): Finished last of 9 in the Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita on February 21 and got some time off since then. The speedy son of Chitu regroups and heads up North for this one. Was sent to the Wong barn last fall and was a perfect 3-3, including the maiden breaker going 5f on the turf. Has a lot of speed and would expect him to try to use it in here. Will be interesting to see how he deals with the other speed signed on. Gets a 5lb weight break for being a 3yo (118).
#6 Tap Back (Baker/ Amador): Is making his first start for the Baker barn. Had strong form in 2019 as a 2yo but unfortunately was sidelined for 16 months. Came back in April at Santa Anita and has run 2 races this year– they were both distant finishes in Allowance races sprinting on the dirt. This will be his first try on the turf and I think he could handle it being by Einstein. Has the fastest early pace figures and would have to think he is going to be forwardly placed early. Is a player in here if he can find the talent he showed as a 2yo.
#7 Tom’s Surprise (Wong/ Antongeorgi): Will be making his turf debut in the Albany and he should like it based on his pedigree– his sire Tom’s Tribute was a G1 winner on the turf. Was claimed for $16,000 back in January for Jonathan Wong and his 2 starts since have been a second and a first place finish in 1st level ALW races. Is going to take back early behind all of the speed in here. Has been improving and needs to continue that trend on Saturday.
#8 Hong Kong Cowboy (Howey/ Rodriguez): A huge longshot in here. Coming off a 5th place effort routing on the turf in a 6.25k claiming race. Has 2 wins from 7 starts over this turf course. Would need to run the best race of his life to catch a piece in here. Has route speed but don’t see him on the lead early. Could stalk and try to close late.
Selections: 3-1-2-7
#3 Brandothebartender (9/5): 5f might be a little sharp for him but it looks like he is going to get a great setup. In sharp form right now.
#1 Bettor Trip Nick (3/1): Like the move back to the grass. Should be forwardly placed early from the rail.
#2 Give Me the Lute (5/2): Has great form sprinting on the turf but is coming off of a layoff. Has a versatile running style and can create his own trip.
#7 Tom’s Surprise (8/1): Pedigree suggests he will handle the grass. Improving still and should get pace to close into.
NorCal Horse Racing News 