What a week of racing at Golden Gate Fields! We saw some thrilling finishes, huge upsets, and breakout performances. Excited to recap Week 2 of the Fall Meet! Let’s get into it!

Friday, Oct 29

On Friday’s program we saw a very impressive debut win by the Tim McCanna trained Unraptured. Word was out on this 2yo son of Uncaptured as he was bet down to odds of 3/5. He settled towards the back early in the race and then jockey Armando Ayuso asked him to make an early move up the backstretch. He was able to sustain that move on the turn and once he got to the stretch he just exploded past loose leader Mob Boss to win going away. Now I have no clue how good Unraptured can be but what we saw on Friday was special and is definitely one to follow going forward. He also has some pedigree to back up the ability as he is a 1/2 brother to 2021 G3 Frank De Francis Memorial Dash winner Jalen Journey. The Golden Nugget Stakes at 6f would have been a perfect spot for him but the 2 week turnaround might be coming up too quick. Keep an eye out for this one.

Saturday, Oct 30

While the Pike Place Dancer Stakes was just a field of 6, we still saw a $52 winner as Vaping Angel pulled off the huge upset. She sat towards the rear early under Pedro Terrero and waited for everything up front to unfold. Loose leader Sen Sen sent from post position 4 and was able to take them all the way to the 1/8th pole before tiring. The closers then began to pounce and it would ultimately be Vaping Angel closing on the inside to pull off the stunning upset. Hindsight is always 20/20, but coming into the race she was the only runner in the field to win going a route of ground. It was a great ride from Pedro Terrero to find a hole up the inside and a great training job by Felix Rondan for having her ready. The maiden Jessebear closed strongly down the outside to get up for 2nd and Code Ribbon was able to finish in 3rd. The favorite Wishing On a Star was under urging on the turn but never picked up. Vaping Angel earned a 60 Beyer Speed Figure and has now pushed her career earnings to $74,826.

Sunday, Oct 31

A collective shock jolted throughout the Golden Gate Fields grandstand when it was announced that Top Harbor had won the photo finish over In Our A in the El Dorado Shooter Stakes. It was a small field but 3 of the top local sprinters lined up in this year’s addition. The favorite War Games assumed his usual front-running position and he was tracked to his inside by second choice In Our A. Third choice Top Harbor got away a little slowly from the 1-hole and found himself at the back early. Once they hit the turn, Top Harbor continued to sustain a move up the rail under Frank Alvarado while In Our A decided to flop outside of War Games for the stretch drive. As the field hit the stretch, it became clear that this was going to be a 2-horse race. Top Harbor and In Our A slugged it out in the final 1/16th and as the dust settled it would be Top Harbor to ultimately prevail. There did not deserve to be a loser in this one, and it ended up being one of the most thrilling races we have seen on this circuit in 2021. Top Harbor ran 6f in 1:09.46, which would earn him an 87 Beyer Speed Figure. Hopefully we get to a rematch of the top 3 in the Oakland Stakes later this meet.

In Sunday’s 5th race we saw a strong maiden-breaking performance from the Jose Bautista trainee, Saint Ives. It was a MSW for 2yos going 1M over the tapeta. This technically wasn’t the first time that Saint Ives has crossed the wire first, as he was DQd turf sprinting on debut. Sunday was his first try on the main track and he seemed to get over the surface well. After taking outside pressure from Midnight Mammoth, Saint Ives was able to stay relaxed and eventually shrug him off to power home to a 1 1/4 length victory. He defeated a solid MSW field and stopped the clock in 1:38.45. While the El Camino Real Derby is 3.5 months away, I do think we could see him on the ECRD trail at some point– a logical next out spot could be the 8F Gold Rush Stakes on December 4th. He certainly has the pedigree to keep stretching out being by Point of Entry and out of a Royal Academy mare. Exciting prospect to follow throughout the Fall/Winter.

Standings:

Jockeys Standings https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTopLeadersByTrackDisplay.cfm?TRK=GG&CY=USA&STAT=J

Trainer Standings https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTopLeadersByTrackDisplay.cfm?TRK=GG&CY=USA&STAT=T

Results:

Results for Friday https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GG102921USA.pdf

Results for Saturday https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GG103021USA.pdf

Results for Sunday https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GG103121USA.pdf

Also I plan on releasing a Horses to Watch List tomorrow so be on the lookout for that.

Lastly, I just want to say thank you to anyone that has ever read any of my blog posts. I really enjoy doing these and all of the feedback I have received over the years has been so amazing. I started this blog as a fun way to share my passion for horse racing and it has been really cool to see what it has turned into. Thank you!

With Sunday’s card getting canceled, we were left with just 2 race days on opening week at Golden Gate Fields. Nothing too crazy jumped out at me, but I did think there were 2 interesting maidens to take a look at that could take a step forward. Let’s get into it!

10/22/2021

Please Please Please (Race 1): The 2yo daughter of Tom’s Tribute made her career debut on Friday at the 8k MCL level. She broke sharp from the rail but got shuffled back as a pace battle ensued in front of her. She then got boxed inside and began to lose ground on the turn. Once she got to the stretch she switched outside and finished off the race well to be 4th. I feel like this was also a tough spot to debut at for the level because the winner was a big class dropper from Southern California. Her jockey Lorenzo Lopez has had a tough year so far being 0/44 in 2021 and the Monroe barn doesn’t typically win first time out (8%), their runners usually do better with some racing under their belts. Breaking from the rail first out is never easy, and it seems like this was a good learning experience for Please Please Please, it should set her up well next time out.

10/23/2021

Ascendancy (Race 7): This 2yo filly has run well in both lifetime starts at the MSW level as she ran 3rd on debut and 2nd on Saturday. In the debut she got lit up early on the pace going 5.5f on the main track, was able to put away the other speed, but got ran down in the stretch (Alesha who finished 2nd that day came back to win a 25K MCL last week). On Saturday she broke fairly sharp again and was on the engine early (this time going 5f). It was a tussle for the lead but she and first time starter Avery On Pointe found themselves dueling. Ascendancy may have won the battle by putting away Avery On Pointe, but she ultimately lost the war as she was run down by Ellamira (who seems to be a filly with some talent) in the stretch. Now the reason why I think Ascendancy is one to follow is that I think she has not been running at her optimal distance yet. Her pedigree screams route and there is also some turf in there too. She is by Classic Empire (Arkansas Derby Winner) and out of the War Front mare Tensa’s Punch. The dam was a stakes winner routing and has dropped some solid route horses too. The second dam Indy Punch has been a very productive broodmare producing the likes of MGSW ($1.8mil earner) United and G3 winner Harlan Punch. Along with the pedigree, Ascendancy galloped out fairly well in both of her starts. The extra distance should also help relax her more early and wouldn’t think she will get lit up on the lead the same as she did sprinting. She has shown talent in both starts and I think she could show her full ability if she gets to run a route of ground at some point in the future.

10/23/2021

A competitive field of 11 lined up in Saturday’s feature at Golden Gate Fields, which was a 25k Optional Claimer going 1 1/16m on the main track. The betting public landed on the consistent Friday’s At Shady who was sent off at odds of 7/2, however the winner would be 14/1 upsetter Wine and Whisky. Today he stalked behind pace setters Robber Baron and Descartes who set a taxing 1/2 in 47.78 and 3/4 in 1:12.08. He was able to pull past the 2 leaders deep in the stretch and had just enough to hold off the closers by 3/4 of a length. The 4yo son of Fullbridled was ridden by Cristobal Herrera and trained by Felix Rondan. Wine and Whisky covered 1 1/16m in 1:44.25. It seems like he is starting to figure things out as he has now won back to back races and posted the 4th win of his 24-start career. Southern California shipper Explosive finished well to be 2nd by a nose over tiring speed horse Descartes.

To touch on the 7th race (5f MSW for 2yo F) quickly, Ellamira was able to break her maiden in start number 2 for Steve Specht and Catalino Martinez. She broke much more alertly today than in her debut and found herself in the race a lot earlier. She got caught about 4 wide on the turn but was in the clear and able to make a strong move. In the stretch she sustained that run to win comfortably by 2 1/2 lengths. The Cole Ranch Partners homebred by Street Boss stopped the clock in 58.56 seconds. Ascendancy held on for second after showing speed early, and the other Steve Specht trainee Tam’s Little Angel ran on to be 3rd in her debut. Would have to think that we could possibly see Ellamira in a race like the Golden Gate Debutante next out.

All 9 races today were won by different jockeys.

Jonathan Wong makes it back to back days with a training double by winning race 2 with Mike Operator and race 6 with Short Rib.

Full results from today’s card https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GG102321USA.pdf

There is a ton of bad weather in the forecast tomorrow so keep an eye out for updates on the card. The feature is an Allowance race for Fillies and Mares that features California Oaks winner Pizzaz– looking forward to that one!

Entries for tomorrow’s card https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaDownloadAction.cfm?sn=ONSC-GG-20211024D

Also, nominations for next week’s Stakes races have been announced and you can check them out here

75K Pike Place Dancer Nominations (10/30) https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaDownloadAction.cfm?sn=SN-GG-20211030-573967

75K El Dorado Shooter Nominations (10/31) https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaDownloadAction.cfm?sn=SN-GG-20211030-573967

Make sure to follow @NorCalHRNews on Twitter and Instagram for all of the latest updates on horse racing in Northern California.

10/22/2021

Going to try for brief recap blogs for each race day this meet. Hope to get as many done as possible. Today’s Fall Meet kicked off with an 8-race card so let’s get into it.

The 6th race on Friday was a 50K Starter Allowance for Fillies and Mares 3yo and Up. The Jonathan Wong trained Allie’s Pal broke sharp from the rail and never looked back as she wired the field to win by 1 3/4 lengths. Jockey William Antongeorgi did a great job by getting her to relax on a loose lead and was able to save more than enough for the stretch drive. This is now the 2nd lifetime win for the 3yo daughter of Creative Cause, with her first being a 25K MCL on the turf in August. She has always possessed a lot of natural speed, as she has either been in front or no worse than 2nd by a head at the 1st call of every race she’s been in. I feel like this race was originally supposed to be a turf race, but with the recent rain, all races this week have been carded for the main track. This was Allie’s Pal’s first race on the tapeta at Golden Gate Fields and she handled it very well. She has been very consistent with 7 of her 8 starts being in the money and has now put her career earnings just over $50,000.

There were a total of 3 2yo races on the opening day program. In the opener Spinning Plates battled outside for the lead early and pulled away in the stretch. The 2yo daughter of Hard Spun broke her maiden in career start number 3 for trainer Peter Miller on the big class drop from Southern California. In race 5, we saw the Jonathan Wong trained Stanford Bay score a dominant 5 length win in a 50k Starter Allowance. After being on the lead early he put away Go Thru the Hole on the turn and then proceeded to pull away for an easy win. The son of Stanford finally put it all together after 2 tough 2nd place finishes. The 7th race was a 25K MCL for fillies going 6f on the tapeta. 4/5 favorite Alesha was dropping in for 25 after a strong 2nd place finish by a head at MSW level in her debut. Today the Greg James trainee stalked the leaders and showed a strong kick in the stretch under Armando Ayuso to win going away.

Lastly, I just want to give a big shoutout to jockey Pedro Flores who won in his first start of the year after being out due to injury. He won today’s 2nd race aboard Somara at odds of 10/1 for trainer Jose Puentes. It was great to see Pedro back out there and hopefully we get to see a lot more of him in the winner’s circle this meet.

Jockey William Antongeorgi (R1,6) and trainer Jonathan Wong (R5,6) both scored opening day doubles.

Full results from today’s card https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GG102221USA.pdf

Tomorrow’s card is a good one, especially the races in the late p5 sequence. Lot’s of large fields and interesting races. An 11-horse field Allowance for Older horses is the headliner in R8 and it is between a pair of large field 2yo races. Should be a fun one!

Make sure to follow @NorCalHRNews on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on horse racing in Northern California.

I know it’s been a while since the last post on the blog page, but I am happy to be back! Wanted to do a brief informal post to catch people up to date with what has happened so far this year in Northern California racing. Here are the meet leaders from this year.

Dec 26- Jun 13: Golden Gate Fields Winter/Spring Meet-: J: Kyle Frey 117 Wins (26%); T: Jonathan Wong 76 Wins (26%)

Jun 18- Jul 17: Pleasanton- J: Pedro Terrero 13 Wins (30%); T: Jonathan Wong 13 Wins (24%)

Jul 23- Aug 1: Sacramento @ Golden Gate Fields- J: Pedro Terrero 8 Wins (19%); T: Steve Sherman 6 Wins (32%)

Aug 8- Aug 15: Santa Rosa @ Golden Gate Fields- J: Pedro Terrero 12 Wins (26%); T: Jonathan Wong 14 Wins (38%)

Aug 20- Aug 29: Ferndale- J: Hugo Herrera 17 Wins (47%) ;T: Quinn Howey 6 Wins (21%), Gary Greiner 6 Wins (24%)

Aug 27- Oct 3: Golden Gate Fields Summer Meet- J: Evin Roman 26 Wins (24%); T: Jonathan Wong 24 Wins (21%)

Oct 8- Oct 17: Fresno- J: Evin Roman 15 Wins (42%); T: Isidro Tamayo 10 Wins (43%)

We now head towards the final stretch of 2021 with the Fall Meet at Golden Gate Fields. The meet runs from October 22nd through December 12th and will be running 3 days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) with the exception of Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 25th). The turf course should be fresh and ready for plenty of racing (rain permitting) as it has gotten a few weeks off to heal. The fall meet is my favorite meet of the year at Golden Gate Fields for a few reasons– there is plenty of 2yo racing, a strong stakes schedule, and field sizes are usually at their biggest. A total of 10 stakes races are scheduled throughout the meet, with the headliner being the G3 Berkeley Handicap on November 27th. You can see the full stakes schedule below.

Fall Meet Stakes Schedule:

10/30- 75k Pike Place Dancer (8f T, 2yo F)

10/31- 75k El Dorado Shooter (6f, CA3yoUP)

11/6- 50k Joseph T. Grace (8.5f T, 3yoUP)

11/13- 50k Golden Nugget (6f, 2yo)

11/20- 50k Oakland (6f, 3yoUP)

11/26- 50k GG Debutante (6f, 2yo F)

11/27- G3 Berkeley Handicap (8.5f, 3yoUP) 

12/4- 75k Gold Rush Stakes (8f, 2yo)

12/11- 75k Bear Fan (6f, CA 3yoUP F)

12/12- 50k Miss America (8.5f T, 3yoUP F)

Racing begins this Friday with a Post Time of 1:15pm

Friday’s entries (click here)

Saturday’s entries (click here)

Sunday’s entries (click here)

Tickets are available on the track’s website goldengatefields.com

Again, just wanted to fire off a quick post. Make sure to follow @NorCalHRNews on both Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on Northern California horse racing. I plan on being more active this meet with the blog page. Stay tuned!

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.

The 2021 2yos to follow list features 46 horses. I always look forward to writing this and it looks like we have a pretty strong crop of 2yos this year. I am hoping this list is fully accurate but if there are any mistakes with matching horses to trainers please let me know and I will make the corrections. It is always exciting to follow these young horses throughout their careers, and who knows, maybe we’ll have a future star on our hands. Lets get into it!

Leanna Ekstrom:

Rhinosaraus- Was purchased for $2,000 at the 2020 FT Fall Yearling Sale. By freshman sire Texas Ryano. 1/2 sibling to Stakes-placed Mr. Paytience who is a 4x winner and $137k earner. The dam is 1/2 to G3 winner in England Raymond Tusk, and a 1/2 to Striking Dancer who won the G2 La Canada. Think this one is going to love going long on the turf.

Quinn Howey:

Stay Lit- 2yo colt is a Calbred by Stay Thirsty. RNAd for $15,000 at the CTBA January Sale. His dam Light Striker is by Afleet Alex, and was a 5x winner that earned over $163,000. Was bet down to favoritism in the career debut at Golden Gate Fields in a MSW but could only manage to finish 7th.

Hyrdro Frost- Sold for $25,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. By Frosted who has gotten off to a solid start as a stallion with his top performer so far being Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Travel Column. Dam was a Northern California runner and earned blacktype for her stakes-placed effort in the Luther Burbank Handicap on the turf at Santa Rosa.

Cowboy Charlie- Son of Stay Thirsty was purchased for $7500 at the 2020 CTBA NorCal Sale. He is out of Indian Charlie mare Foxy Indian who was a 2x winner. This is her first foal.

Greg James:

Unusual Code- Homebred for C-Punch Ranch by Desert Code out of Unusual Heat mare Gannet. He is a 1/2 to $110k earner Nolongerahobby. Pedigree suggests Unusual Code will appreciate the turf.

OJ Jauregui:

Highland Ghost- A Highland Yard LLC homebred by Shaman Ghost. He is a 1/2 to local runners Zahra and Bottle of Smoke. Finished a nice 2nd on debut after having a 5-wide trip. Should improve off of that effort.

My Proposition- Ran a solid 3rd on debut in a MSW at Golden Gate Fields on May 28th– was caught 5 wide on the turn and stayed on. By freshmen sire Straight Fire and out of Tapit mare Propositioned. The 2nd dam is G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies winner She Be Wild.

unnamed (KY) Union Rags/ Partisan Politics- Was purchased for $25k at the OBS April Sale [Click here to view sales workout]. By Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags and out of Partisan Politics who won the PG Johnson Stakes at 2 and the Pebble Stakes at 3. Strong route pedigree and should be able to handle both turf and synthetics.

unnamed (KY) Anchor Down/ She Nuit All- Anchor Down colt was purchased for $32k at the Fasit Tipton Midlantic 2yo sale [Click here to view sales workout]. Is a 1/2 to Majestic Quality who was 2nd in the G2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes and 3rd in both the G2 Summertime Oaks and G3 Indiana Oaks.

Dan Markle:

Tyche Awaits You- Was purchased for $22,000 at the 2020 WBTA Yearling Sale. By freshman sire Midnight Storm and out of Harlan’s Holiday mare Dreamingofcarmella. His dam was a debut winner that went on to become Multiple Stakes Placed.

Andy Mathis:

Ashley’s Rainbow- 2yo filly is by G1 Eddie Read winner Tom’s Tribute and is out of productive broodmare Ashley’s Folly. This makes Ashley’s Rainbow a 1/2 to 5x G2 winner Ashleyluvssugar, $209k earner and MSP Ashley’s Sassy, and to debut maiden special weight winner Ashley’s Valentine. Should show her best form over the turf and tapeta.

Big Jolt- Sold for 16k at the 2020 FT Cal Yearling sale. She is by Mr. Big and out of Edamame who was a 4x winner and was stakes placed. She is also a 1/2 to local msw and alw winner Empressive Cat.

Bonita Leona- Was picked up for $52,000 at the 2020 FT Fall Yearling Sale. She is a full sister to Multiple Stakes Winner and 220k earner El Tigre Terrible. The dam was a 5x winner and was Stakes placed going 6f on the dirt in the Harvest Stakes at Fresno. Given the bottom side of the pedigree and being by Smiling Tiger, I’d think her best game should be sprinting.

Grazie Daisy- 2yo filly by Grazen and out of She’s A Big Winner who was a stakes winner sprinting on the turf at Santa Anita. Think she will be at her best on the turf but should also be able to handle the synthetics.

Dancing Soul- Sold for $62k at the 2020 FT Fall Yearling Sale. 2yo KY bred filly by Vronsky. Her dam Sensitive Soul won the Magali Farms Stakes at Hollywood Park. 1/2 to Raised a Secret who was a stakes winner/ G3 placed finisher that banked over $492k and a 1/2 to Multiple Stakes Winner Minister of Soul.

Tim McCanna:

Brooky’s Tapit- Probably the most high profile pedigree of any runner on this year’s list. By arguably the top sire in Tapit and out of Giant’s Causeway mare Brookys Star. His dam was multiple stakes placed and earned over $105k. The second dam Freedom Star won 6x from 14 starts including the G3 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn. True route pedigree here. Not sure how much talent he has but when I see this pedigree and the capable hands he’s in, I start thinking El Camino Real Derby. One to follow for sure.

Lady Commish- Was purchased for $25,000 at the Washington Sep Yearling Sale. Is a 1/2 to 13x winner and $129k earner Shoes for Jlo. She is by Commissioner and has some stamina on the bottom side of the pedigree, so I would think that the more ground the better for her.

Bill McLean:

Tough to Catch- 2yo filly is by Smiling Tiger and out of Sky Mesa mare Lofty Ambition. Sold for $9,000 at the 2020 CTBA NorCal Sale. Dam was a Maiden Special Weight and Allowance winner at Santa Anita sprinting on the turf.

Ed Moger Jr:

Amanda Rose- Sold for a strong $25k at the 2020 FT Fall Yearling Sale. By Freshman sire Shaman Ghost. Is a 1/2 to 3x winner Zabracadabra who earned $105k in 10 lifetime starts. Both sides of the pedigree suggest that she is going to be best routing.

Eye Candy Randy- Was purchased for $19.5k at the 2020 CTBA NorCal Sale. By Race Day and out of Harlan’s Holiday mare Elusive Flower. Dam was a 3x winner in 9 starts. Has a strong dirt pedigree and could take advantage of the fair circuit this summer.

Mogollon Rim- 2yo colt by Finnegan’s Wake. Dam was a 7x winner that earned $270k. He is a 1/2 to Fast Enough, who in 3 starts won a maiden special weight, won the California Cup Derby, and finished 3rd in the G2 San Vicente Stakes. Should do his best running around 2 turns based on both sides of the pedigree.

I’m Dr. O- Clubhouse Ride gelding sold for $20k at the 2020 CTBA NorCal Sale. His dam Moving Desert was very precocious, a maiden special weight winner and 3x stakes placed as a 2yo in SoCal. He is also a 1/2 to Del Mar maiden special weight winner and King Glorious Stakes runner-up Moving Fast.

Love Candy- Became the first winner for new stallion Danzing Candy when he won a MSW at Golden Gate Fields by 2 3/4 lengths on May 28. I think the Danzing Candy progeny will be able to handle all 3 surfaces and his foals will be interesting to follow this year. Would expect to see Love Candy in a stake next either at Pleasanton or Del Mar.

Irish Wahine- Debuted a winner at Golden Gate Fields on May 28 in a maiden special weight. She is by Grazen and out of Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie. She is a 1/2 to Silky Sullivan Stakes winner Irish Heatwave. Seems like the further they run the better she will get and she should take to the turf too. Could expect to see her at Del Mar next.

Aggie Ordonez:

Unnamed (CA) Danzing Candy/ Mary Couglan- Sold for $15,500 at the 2020 CTBA NorCal Sale. By freshman sire Danzing Candy. Is a 1/2 brother to local 6x Stakes Winner Outside Nashville ($423k) who has wins sprinting on the synthetic and routing on the turf.

Steve Specht:

Lady’s Sermon- Was the first 2yo winner of the year in Northern California. She scored an impressive 5 1/2 length victory on May 6th. She is by Rousing Sermon and out of 4x Stakes Winner and $603k earner Lady Railrider. Also, Lady’s Sermon is a 1/2 to Pulpit Rider (3x Stakes-winner/ $477K), Fiery Lady (Stakes-placed/ $222k), and Sacred Rider (Multiple Stakes-placed/ $194k).

Luckarando- 2yo gelding by El Camino Real Derby Winner Tamarando. His dam Mother Luck (Street Sense) was a debut winner and also a 1/2 to Multiple Stakes winner and G1 placed Antares World. Pedigree suggests he should be at his best going 2 turns and should take to both synthetics and turf.

unnamed (CA) Smiling Tiger/ She’s So Vain- Sold for $40,000 at the 2020 FT Fall Yearling Sale. Dam was a debut winner and stakes placed in her only 2 lifetime starts. Full sister to debut winner and $46k earner Eye on Tiger.

Isidro Tamayo:

Gold Rush Gal- By Shaman Ghost and out of Songandaprayer mare No Tunes. Dam is a 1/2 sibling to 5x winner Absentee who is G3 placed sprinting on the dirt.

Sonora Sermon- Homebred for Baseline Equine. By Rousing Sermon and out of Unusual Heat mare Sizzlin’ Sonora. Dam is a 1/2 to Global Hottie who was a 4x winner from 7 starts and also G3 placed in the Las Flores Stakes.

Faith Taylor:

Bob’s Reign- Stay Thirsty colt was purchased for a strong $47,000 at the 2020 CTBA NorCal Sale. He is out of a Speightstown mare that is a 1/2 to stakes winner and $277,000 earner Love a Honeybadger. 2nd dam won the G3 Gardenia Handicap.

Angelo Tekos Jr:

Kid Stole a Kiss- Calbred son of Richard’s Kid was purchased for $10,000 at the 2020 FT Fall Yearling Sale. The dam is a full sister to Stakes winners and $300,000+ earners Kiss at Midnight and Quisisana. Based on the pedigree she should show her best form sprinting.

Jamey Thomas:

Trip to Spain- Homebred for Myles Reed McMahon by Stay Thirsty. Dam Spanish Doll (Comic Strip) was a debut winner. This is her first foal.

Midnight Metal- 2yo colt sold for $45,000 at the OBS April Sale [Click here to view sales workout]. By freshman sire Midnight Storm who was a G1 winner on turf and multiple G1 placed on dirt. Should appreciate going a route of ground with the dam being by Curlin.

Jonathan Wong:

Ain’t He Handsome- The first of many homebreds for Tommy Town Thoroughbreds that are in the Wong barn. He is by Twirling Candy and a 1/2 to local maiden special weight winner Munn She’s Pretty. The dam is also a 1/2 to G1 Santa Margarita Stakes winner Let Faith Arise. His first 4 workouts so far have all been bullets. Looks like he has some speed and should be able to stretch-out around 2 turns.

Heaven Shines- Won nicely on debut at Golden Gate Fields and became the first winner for new stallion Stanford. Another TTT homebred. His dam Light Up the Sky was stakes placed going long on turf and earned over $138k in 18 starts. 1/2 to impressive 7-length debut winner Lightinthedarkness. Would expect to see him in a stakes race next out.

Pretty Loud- Another TTT homebred, this one is by Boisterous. The 2yo gelding is a 1/2 to G1 placed Pretty Point. Bred to love going long on the turf.

Stanford Bay- For TTT by freshman sire Stanford and out of Minister’s Wildcat mare Curvy Cat who was stakes placed and earned over $386k. Dam was primarily a sprinter and the Stanford babies have shown some speed so far.

Top Tappin Tune- Another TTT homebred by Stanford and out of a Speightstown mare. Dam sold for $250k as a yearling. This is her first foal. The 2nd dam won the G2 Indiana Oaks and G2 La Troienne.

Opening Buzz- Yet again, another Stanford 2yo for TTT. This filly RNAd for $34,000 at the 2020 CTBA NorCal Sale. She is out of Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, who sold for $220,000 as a yearling. Also, Opening Buzz is a 1/2 to 2019 Golden Gate Debutante runner up No Cover Charge (won her first 2 starts too).

Blaine Wright:

Little Casino- Was recently picked up at the OBS March sale for $50k [Click here to view sales workout]. He is a 2yo gelding by Orb and out of Awesome Again mare Waverly Place. The dam is a 1/2 to Multiple G2 placed War Envoy who won over $494k in 26 starts. Also something cool about the pedigree is that the 4th dam is 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors.

Power Surge- The first of a handful of 2yos in the Wright barn by freshman sire Straight Fire. Straight Fire only raced at 2 but he flashed a lot of talent in those 4 lifetime starts– he broke his maiden by 10 1/2 lengths at Del Mar and then backed that up with a 2nd in the G1 Del Mar Futurity and a 3rd in the G1 Front Runner. Pedigree brings a nice combination of both speed and stamina. Power Surge is a 1/2 to Even Thunder who was a multiple stakes winner at 2 and ran 2nd in the G3 Bay Shore at 3. Some preciousness here.

Stopdropandroll- Another Straight Fire filly. Is a 1/2 to debut 2yo winner Prince James who has now won $114k in 11 starts. The 2nd dam Don’t Forget Gil won the G3 Florida Oaks and was runner up in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks.

Extinguisher- Straight Fire filly that is out of Acqua Fresh who was a G1 winner in Uruguay. Dam also was purchased for $45,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November Breeding Sale.

Fire Escape- Homebred for LNJ Foxwoods by Straight Fire. Out of Excellent Art mare Luckfromabove who was a maiden special weight winner at Woodbine. Dam is a 1/2 to G1 Sydney Cup winner in Australia and 1.1 million dollar earner The Offer.

Carasynthia- A Straight Fire homebred for KMN Racing. Her dam Doowop Shedoo was a maiden winner and earned stakes placed status at Santa Rosa as a 2yo. This makes her a 1/2 to Scooby who was Stakes placed on debut at Del Mar and was also 4th in the G1 Del Mar Futurity.

Monday’s Memorial Day card at Golden Gate Fields has 9 races with the 100k All American as the feature. The All American has a field of 6 and will be run at 1 Mile over the Tapeta. It seems to be a competitive race on paper, and I am going to go over each of the runners below.

#1 Indian Peak (Howey/ Espinoza)- Seems to be back at the top of his game after a nice Allowance win last time out on April 25th– he stalked a moderate pace that day and was able to finish very strongly to win going away. The son of Comic Strip is 4 for 7 lifetime over the tapeta and is 2 for 4 at the distance. Coming into this one off two sharp workouts (5/23 4f- 47.40, 5/16 5f- 1:00.80). Should be sitting on a top effort.

#2 Anyportinastorm (Miller/ Roman)- Was super impressive last time out when he won the Lost in the Fog Stakes during Gold Rush Weekend. He seems to have an affinity for the tapeta surface as he is 5 for 7 lifetime over it. Has been a very classy sprinter throughout his career but has shown he can contend going a route of ground. The last time he routed was when he ran 2nd by a head in the 2019 G3 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs. His trainer Peter Miller has won 3 stakes races this meet already and is a strong 5 for 11 (45%) in 2021 at Golden Gate Fields. Have to think that Anyportinastorm is going to show a lot of speed early on the stretch-out.

#3 Zestful (Glatt- Maldonado)- Coming into this one off of a 2nd place effort by 9 lengths to Tizamagician in the G3 Tokyo City Cup at Santa Anita. When you look at his pps you think of him more as a longer distance/ marathon type, but he is 11: 4-4-1 going 1 mile. 2 races back he finished 2nd by a head to King Abner in a 50k Starter Allowance (April 23). His trainer Mark Glatt is 20% with shippers and this will be Zestful’s 3rd start off the layoff. Has early speed but don’t think he has the pace figures to out-foot Anyportinastorm early– see him sitting 2nd in here. Worked a sharp 4f in 47.40 at Santa Anita on 5/23.

#4 Cupid’s Claw (Dollase- Frey)- Former Northern California runner had a breakthrough last year when he won the G3 Tokyo City Cup at Santa Anita in September by 7 1/4 lengths. After his big win he went to Keeneland for the 1 5/8m G2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes where he finished a distant 12th place. He is making his first start of the year in the All American. Is 1-4 lifetime over the tapeta at Golden Gate Fields. Feels to me like 1 mile is on the sharp side for him and that his best races come at 9f+. Also, his trainer Craig Dollase is 0-27 with horses coming off of a 90+ day layoff. Returned to the worktab for the first time this year on May 1st. Has talent but this could be a stepping stone for further races down the line. Gets leading rider Kyle Frey always helps.

#5 Navy Armed Guard (Howey/ Alvarado)- The 2nd of the pair of runners for the Howey barn. His only lifetime start over the tapeta was at a mile in September, and he just so happened to set the track record when winning an Allowance race that day. Was last seen winning an open Allowance at Turf Paradise going 7 1/2f on the grass. See him stalking the pace in here and trying to make a run late. Seems to have been pointing to this spot for awhile now.

#6 Harmon (Meier/ Ayuso)- Pulled off the 9/1 upset last time out in his first start for new trainer Monty Meier. He won nicely by 2-lengths over today’s course/distance and was able to defeat both Indian Peak and stakes-winner American Farmer in that spot. Hasn’t proven he can compete at this stakes level yet, but does seem like one that is trending in the right direction. Meier has had a solid meet as he is 6-27 (22%). Could see him sitting in 3rd or 4th early on in here.

Selections: 2-1-5-3

#2 Anyportinastorm (8/5)- Loves this track and is coming off a great performance. Stretches out to 2 turns here and think he controls things up front.

#1 Indian Peak (8/1)- Appears to be rounding back into form and like how he finishes off his races. Will be doing his best running late.

#5 Navy Armed Guard (5/1)- Last effort was solid on the turf. Switches back to the trip/surface he set the track record on.

#3 Zestful (3/1)- Cutting back from 1 1/2m to 1m in here. Should sit a good trip behind Anyportinastorm.

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.

Gold Rush Weekend is finally here! There are a total of 23 races, including 8 Stakes races. The headliner of the weekend is the race that I am going to focus on, and that is the G3 San Francisco Mile. It has a purse of $250,000 and is (as the name suggests) run at 1 mile on the turf. This year’s edition features a strong field of 8 runners.

#1 Kiwi’s Dream (I Orozco/ Trujillo)- Was runner-up by a neck in this race last year. Coming off a 4th place effort in a Starter 40 on the turf at Santa Anita after setting the pace and tiring late. That effort was at 1 1/8m and I think he is more of a miler type. Sharp worktab coming into this one– have to think he’s fully cranked. There is a lot of speed in here, but could still see Orozco getting aggressive from the 1 post and sending for the lead or sitting just off of it. Kiwi’s Dream has a lot of fight in him and has always shown a ton of stubbornness in the lane.

#2 Keeper Ofthe Stars (Alvarado/ Wong)- Fired off two impressive wins last year at Santa Anita in the G2 Buena Vista and G1 Gamely Stakes. Ran subpar in both the G3 Wilshire at Santa Anita in June and the G2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar. Got an 8-month freshening after that and came back to win an open Allowance at GGF– that day she set the pace and dug in well in the stretch to win by a neck. I remember in an interview last year that trainer Jonathan Wong said Keeper Ofthe Stars runs a lot better when she is outside of horses, and that is exactly what happened in her 2 Graded Stakes wins last year. Last out she was stuck inside in a pace duel and was still able to win. Alvarado is going to have to work out a trip from the 2-hole, but she will get pace to run into. Comes off a 5f work in a sharp 59.4 on April 18th. Wong is 24% with runners 2nd off the layoff.

#3 Whisper Not (Franco/ Baltas)- Is coming off of a sharp gate-to-wire first level Allowance score at Santa Anita going 1m on the turf. Back in December he finished 3rd behind the talented Smooth Like Strait in the G2 Mathis Brothers Mile. He has fast pace figures, but has shown the ability to sit from off the pace in the past. I think he is going to rate in here and try to put the speed away on the turn. Has the fastest last-out speed figure in the field. Also is coming off 2 straight 5f drills in 59 and change at Santa Anita. His trainer Richard Baltas knows how to get a horse ready for this race as he won it last year with Neptune’s Storm.

#4 Diamond Blitz (Espinoza/ Ramos)- Since being claimed in February for 8k, Diamond Blitz has stepped up to win an 8k Starter Allowance and a 20k n2l claiming race. This is obviously a huge step up in class and he would have to improve a lot to contend here. Has one way to go and that’s being on the front end. Has very fast pace figures and likes to open things up on the front end early– he does not like to try to after grabbing the lead, he likes to gun it. I expect him to send like always and it will be interesting to see if anyone tries to go with him.

#5 Ohio (Gonzalez/ McCarthy)- The classy 10yo gelding is shipping up to GGF after a win in the 75k Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap at Turf Paradise. Seems like one that will take back and let things unfold in front of him. On his best day he might have been a clear favorite in here, but can he get back to that same level? Ricky Gonzalez takes the mount as he returns to his old stomping grounds in Northern California. Has back-class and should sit a good trip in here. His trainer Michael McCarthy is a strong 6-14 (43%) when shipping up to Golden Gate Fields this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS2dMt0umzQ

#6 Border Town (Roman/ Mandella)- Appears to be the one true closer in this race. Has had breaking issues from the gate, but I don’t think that will harm him too much if the pace unfolds up front like it appears it is going to on paper. In a 100k optional claimer last out he got boxed in on the turn and managed to stay on for 2nd. 2-back he ran a nice 3rd behind the talented G1 winner Hit the Road in the G3 Thunder Road Stakes. Has a sharp series of workouts and think that his trainer Richard Mandella has him sitting on a top effort. Out of 35 starters, Mandella is an impressive 34% with shippers. Will be trying to mow them all down late.

#7 Brown Storm (Frey/ McCarthy)- The South American import has shown ability on both turf and dirt surfaces since moving to America. Last out he was in the same optional claimer as Border Town and Restrainedvengence– he set the pace that day and was able to hold on for 3rd. That was his first start since June, and he very well could have needed that one. I do think he wants further than a mile as he seems very one-paced in his stretch runs. He does stay on well, just doesn’t have that extra burst for the mile distance. While he does like the front end, he doesn’t quite have the same pace figures as Diamond Blitz or Kiwi’s Dream. Would expect him to try to rate behind the speed in here. As stated above, McCarthy is a strong 6-14 (43%) at the GGF meet so far. Also getting leading rider Kyle Frey doesn’t hurt either.

#8 Restrainedvengence (Baze/ Brinkerhoff)- Northern California racing fans have been familiar with this 6yo gelding as he has come up North many times. Last year in his 2 races up here he won the All American Stakes and was 4th in the G3 San Francisco Mile. He has made 2 starts this year on both turf and dirt. Two back, he was in the Optional Claimer with both Border Town and Brown Storm– that day he was caught wide and did not show much punch in the stretch. Last out he closed from the back to be 2nd behind Ax Man in the Santana Mile. Ax Man came out of that win to finish a well-beaten 4th in the G3 Kona Gold at Santa Anita. On his best day he’s a contender but not totally sure if he’s rounding back into top form.

Selections: 2-3-6-5

#2 Keeper ofthe Stars (6/1)- I think she needed that last race and should be ready to go 2nd off the layoff. Like the confidence that Wong shows by entering her here. Hoping she can swing to the outside and get in the clear early. Should get pace to run at.

#3 Whisper Not (3/1)- Think he is the most talented of the horses with early speed and seems like he is on the improve. See him rating behind the leaders and puting them away on the turn. Can he hold everyone else off?

#6 Border Town (7/2)- Mandella knows how to get his horses ready for big races. Working sharply and coming off 3 strong races in 2021. Will be doing his best running late.

#5 Ohio (6/1)- Not sure if he is at his best right now, but his win last out looks like a good confidence builder. Should get a solid setup in here.

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