Main track sprints were the theme on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields as 8 of the 10 races were sprints. It was a very competitive card throughout, and if you were able to make it on track, you would have gotten a free 2019 Golden Gate Fields calendar.

The 9th race on the card was the feature– it was a very competitive first condition allowance for fillies 3 years old and up going 6f on the tapeta. Coco Bee was coming off of an impressive 4-length maiden score on November 23rd. She was sent to the front from post 10 by Juan Hernandez and never looked back. Going into her 4yo season, I’d assume this daughter of Richard’s Kid is going to work through her conditions after today’s win– she is a nice filly with a lot of potential. Trainer Blaine Wright had the exacta in the race as he saddled both the winner and runner-up, Strip It Down. Rounding out the trifecta was Irish import, Ziarah, as she made her North American debut for trainer Manuel Badilla.

There were some very interesting races on the rest of the card, including the 5th race. 2yo fillies Hollywood Hills and Empressive Cat both hit the line together and dead-heated.

Jockeys: There was a very unfortunate spill in the 2nd race today with jockeys William Antongeorgi and Julien Couton falling hard. According to track announcer Matt Dinerman, Antongeorgi banged up his knee a bit and Couton was taken to the hospital where his x-rays came back negative. Thankfully it appears they will both be back in the saddle soon. Saturncloud walked off the track after the spill, while Blazing Amanda had to be vanned off. If any updates come, they will be posted on the twitter page.

Also, Juan Hernandez kept his hot streak going as he was able to bag 3 winners on the card. He has vaulted himself atop the early jockey standings. Silvio Amador and Luis Ocasio each had a nice day with 2 winners apiece.

1. Hernandez *7* 2. Cedillo *6* 3. Amador *3*

Trainers: Blaine Wright had a very strong day as he saddled winners in both the 1st and 9th races today. He has now claimed the top spot in the trainer standings.

1. Wright *4* 2. Delia *3* 3. 6-way tie *2*

Racing resumes tomorrow with a 9 race Dollar Day card starting at 12:45pm. There will also be special holiday racing on Monday and Tuesday.

The turf course opened up today at Golden Gate Fields, and was listed as yielding. There was only 1 race carded on the grass, and it was a 12,500 starter allowance going 5f. At 4/5, Mr. Twinery went to the front under Abel Cedillo and never looked back. The Hollendorfer trainee is now a perfect 3 for 3 in turf sprints and has made it 3 straight wins. This son of Twirling Candy has a lot of natural speed, which makes him very dangerous in sprints over the lawn. He started his career in Southern California and had very little success. However, he was able to find his 2nd career win when he was dropped in for a $12,500 claiming tag in April at Golden Gate Fields– this race began to shift the tide for him. He parlayed that win into a Starter 50 win, and then went on to win an Allowance race. Since coming to the Northern California circuit, Mr. Twinery is now 7 for 9 with a 2nd and a 3rd place finish. The circuit change made a big difference and gave him a lot of confidence. He has turned into a very handy horse, especially on the grass.

Jockeys: Juan Hernandez and Abel Cedillo both picked up 2 wins on the Friday card. Also, it was great to see Silvio Amador back in the winner’s circle after having taken a summer and fall hiatus. He won race 7 aboard Angelo’s Pride.

1. Cedillo *5* 2. Hernandez *4* 3. Monroy *2*

Trainers: After taking the feature on opening day, William Delia continued his winning ways in the 7th and 8th races. Not only did he win them, but he did it with horses at odds of 33/1 and 10/1 respectively. Also nabbing 2 winners on the card was trainer Blaine Wright.

1. Delia *3* T-2. Wright *2* T-2. Hollendorfer *2* T-2. Trujillo *2*

Tomorrow kicks off a 10 race card with first post being at 12:15pm. Each on-track patron will receive a 2019 calendar. Live racing continues from Saturday through Tuesday.

Hot Encounter takes the opening day feature for jockey Juan Hernandez and trainer William Delia.

Race 8 on the card was the feature– it was a $31k first condition allowance for 3-year-olds and up, going 6f over the tapeta. As the gates opened, El Chavo Del Ocho and Brownie Finale began dueling up front, while Shades of Victory and Nap Lajoie were right there on the leaders’ hips. Sweet River Baines was close up and in the mix early but got into a tight spot and had to take back a few lengths. As they rounded the turn and entered the stretch, El Chavo Del Ocho opened up a length lead– however, the duel up front began to take its toll on him and his stride began to shorten. After the early trouble, Sweet River Baines made a strong move and took the lead with an 1/8th to go, but would eventually get ran down by the late running Hot Encounter. Hernandez kept Hot Encounter under a nice hold off the pace and let the race unfold in front of him. He wheeled to the outside and was able to rally home in time. Two the Punch sat on the rail towards the rear of the field and made a sustained stretch run at 30/1 for 3rd. He had a very strong gallop out after the race as well. The gray, Tomahawk Tuesday, was 9th and last throughout the race, until the stretch, where he was able run on and hit the superfecta. The top 4 runners all came from off the pace as the race completely fell apart up front.

Fractions: 22.97 46.40 58.60 1:11.09. Order of Finish: 4-7-1-6

To no surprise, Abel Cedillo picked up where he left off in the fall meet, as he bagged 3 winners on opening day. Juan Hernandez and Francisco Monroy are right behind him with 2 wins each.

Trainer Victor Trujillo had 2 wins on opening day, while a multitude of 7 different trainers were able to pick up 1.

Racing will resume on Friday the 28th with a 9-race card. Golden Gate Fields will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, so that means live racing will run from the 28th-1st. Lastly, on Saturday the 29th, there will be a 2019 calendar giveaway to all patrons on track.