I have put together a list of 51 2yos to follow in Northern California this year. The pandemic has altered the 2yo season a bit as the first maiden races got pushed back a couple weeks and as of writing this there still has not been any news on the the fair meets for both Pleasanton and Sacramento. I’m hoping this list is 100% accurate, but if any of the horses aren’t with the correct trainer, please let me know and I will make the changes. Lastly, thank you to everyone that sent me horses to put on the list. This is always a lot of fun to do. Enjoy!

Bill Delia:

Rocktillyoudrop (Smiling Tiger/ Red Hot Rocket (Northern Devil))- Homebred for Bill Delia and Patricia Wall. Is a 1/2 brother to I’m A Rockette, who impressively won the first 3 starts of her career. He is out of a dam that won 3 races from 16 starts. Seems like there is sprint pedigree on both sides.

Liam’s Secret (Liam’s Map/ Secret Kitten (Discreet Cat))- Sold for 75k at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale. Then went to the Keeneland September Sale the following year and RNA’d for the same 75k price. Liam’s Map had some success with his first crop that included G1 winners Basin and Wicked Whisper. The dam won the fist 3 starts of her career and is also a multiple Stakes Winner– she earned $138,750 in 8 starts. Liam’s Secret is the 2nd foal out of Secret Kitten, the first foal has only run 1 time and it was a 3rd place finish in a MSW at Keeneland. Is entered to run on Thursday.

Unnamed (Boat Trip/ Bettor Knot (In Excess))- He is a full brother to one of last year’s top Northern California 2yos Bettor Trip Nick, who won both the Golden Nugget Stakes and the Gold Rush Stakes. This is definitely one to follow if he can run anything like his brother.

Reina Gonzalez:

Momma Mocha (Tamarando/ Chi Chi Nette (Ole’))- Sold for a strong $30,000 tag at the CTBA NorCal Sale. This is Tamarando’s first crop, and he himself was very precocious as a 2yo winning the G1 Del Mar Futurity. He is also an El Camino Real Derby winner. His best runs came over the synthetics, and it will be interesting to see if he can pass that along to his progeny. Is a 1/2 sister to G1 placed Mensa Heat ($544k in earnings) and Grade 2 Winner Majestic Heat ($578k in earnings). Should excel going a route of ground.

Roger Hansen:

Exquisite Legacy (Slew’s Tiznow/ Sonoma Bred (All the Gears))- A homebred for Sandlot Racing. She is a 1/2 sister to Rule He Will who in 12 starts earned $103,801 and had 4 wins with 2 seconds. Even though the dam was unraced, she is still a 1/2 sister to Tribesman who is a multiple Stakes Winner that earned $551,996. Seems like she will do her best work sprinting around 1 turn. Has already posted 3 workouts at Golden Gate Fields.

Cyclone Slew (Slew’s Tiznow/ Breeze Along (Fruition))- Another Sandlot Racing homebred. The dam won 4 times in 18 starts and had total earnings of $165,038. We’ve seem Slew’s Tiznow progeny have success over the years in Northern California, and they can kind of do everything. Already has a few works at Golden Gate Fields.

Bob Hess Sr:

Audaciously (Vronsky/ Perfect Hostess (Perfect Mandate))- A ton of precocity in the pedigree as he is a full brother to Intimidate. Intimidate won 3 out of his first 4 starts, including the King Glorious Stakes at Los Alamitos. The dam was also a first-out winner who earned over $142,000 throughout her career. Look for this one to have some speed to him.

Quinn Howey:

Mucho Machismo (Mucho Macho Man/ Speightful Kate (Speightstown))- Sold for just $4,000 at the FT Santa Anita Fall Yearling Sale. Was purchased by Allen Aldrich, who usually spot his 2yos with Quinn Howey well. She is the first foal out of Speightful Kate. It’s way back in the pedigree, but the 3rd dam is the dam of super star Curlin. Mucho Machismo has route pedigree up and down the page.

Ellen Jackson:

Roselike (Indian Evening/ Heirloom Rose (Bertrando))- Homebred for Victory Rose Thoroughbreds. She is a 1/2 sister to Multiple Graded Stakes Placed, Many Roses. Indian Evening has had some good runners so far from not the biggest crops. Should be able to stretch out to 2 turns. Speed on both sides of the pedigree.

O.J. Jauregui:

Call Sign Lucky (Square Eddie/ Caan (Crowning Storm))- Purchased for $30k at the FT Santa Anita Fall Yearling Sale. Square Eddie’s seem to do everything as they’ve had success on dirt, turf, synthetics and have proven they can run at sprints or routes. Is entered to run on June 12th, and based on his worktab I would expect him to have some early speed.

Miz Cappadocia (Animal Kingdom/ Colarful Song (Songandaprayer))– Sold for $8k as a yearling at the CTBA January Sale. Her 3yo full sister was a debut winner going 7f at Tampa Bay Downs. Would have to think the further the distance the better for Miz Cappadocia as she has a route pedigree on both sides. Animal Kingdom won the Dubai World Cup over a synthetic surface, and his progeny have proven they can run on any surface. Is entered to run on June 11th in a MSW.

Copper Halo (Kantharos/ Southwest Lady (Sightseeing))- Purchased for just $5k at the FT Santa Anita Fall Yearling Sale. Progeny of Kantharos are very precocious. The dam earned $88k and was a stakes winner going 1m on the dirt. Think he will ultimately do his best running around 1-turn. Could be a good bargain for pricetag.

Mr. Artistic (Trappe Shot/ Artistic Diva (Bernardini))– Purchased for $8k at the CTBA January Sale. Despite the purchase price, there is a really nice pedigree on this colt. His multiple stakes-winning Dam Exclusive Diva was 7 for 14 lifetime and earned nearly $200k. After her racing career she sold for $205k at the Keeneland November Sale back in 2015. Is a 1/2 to Horse Doctor who is 2-6 lifetime with 85k in earnings. Trappe Shot isn’t the best distance sire, but I would expect this one to be able to get 2-turns.

Ida Claire (Declaration of War/ Lemarchos (Lemon Drop Kid))– Sold for $60k at the CTBA January Sale to Highland Yard LLC. Love the pedigree and think she is going to love the turf– Declaration of War was a multiple G1 winner on turf and Lemon Drop Kid definitely has a strong turf influence. Also, the dam is a 1/2 sister to Millionaire G1 winner Celestine. That said, she should handle the tapeta just fine too. Look for this one to really start to show her best stuff routing.

Jedd Josephson:

Blakeford (Mr. Big/ Propero (Yes It’s True))- Sold for $39k at the FT Santa Anita Fall Yearling Sale, which is a lot for a Mr. Big. This is an interesting pedigree as Mr. Big progeny have shown they can route, but the bottom side of has a lot of speed and sprint in the pedigree. No notable siblings, and the dam’s lone win was at 5 1/2f in a Maiden Claimer.

Michael Lenzini:

Ahimaaz (Sky Mesa/ Uzziel (Harlington))– Nice homebred here for James and Tammy McKenney. The dam Uzziel broke her maiden here at Golden Gate Fields and then in her final career start, she won the 2015 G2 Goldikova Stakes at Santa Anita. He is the second foal out of Uzziel (the first was a winner). Pedigree suggests this one should really love the turf. Excited to see if he can run like her momma. Only 3 workouts so far, but is entered to run on June 12th.

Gardees World (Atticus/ Achnasheals (Broken Vow))– Has already outperformed her expectations and she has only run 1 time. She broke her maiden in the first 2yo race of the season at Golden Gate Fields back on May 23rd– she shot straight to the lead and took them all the way. Has already earned over 10x her sale price as she was purchased for just $2.2k back in August at the CTBA NorCal Yearling Sale. Will likely see her in stakes company next.

Andy Mathis:

Ashley’s Valentine (Vronsky/ Ashley’s Folly (Urgent Request))- 1/2 sister to Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Ashleyluvssugar and Multiple Stakes Placed runner Ashley’s Sassy. Has a couple of works already at Golden Gate Fields. Pedigree suggests she will like going long on the turf.

Ten the Smart Way (Smart Bid/ Incredible Ten (Rock Hard Ten))- Purchased for $25k at the FT Santa Anita Fall Yearling Sale. 3 other siblings that made it to the races are all winners. The dam was unraced, but did sell for $350k as a yearling in 2009 at Keeneland. Is bred for 2-turns and has some turf on both sides of the pedigree. Already has 6 works at Golden Gate Fields.

Tribal Nation (Papa Clem/ Tribal Feathers (Tribal Rule))- Sold for $30k at the FT Santa Anita Fall Yearling Sale. Is a full brother to Multiple Stakes Winner and $345k earner Tribal Storm. All 5 siblings are winners. Has been working steadily at Golden Gate Fields. There is some route in the pedigree, but it seems like the siblings were usually best sprinting.

Shanghai Sunrise (Shanghai Bobby/ Pleasing Sunrise (Speightstown))- A homebred for SLO Racing Stable. The dam is Stakes-Placed and earned over $93k. Is a 1/2 to Potente Alba, Midnight Sunrise, and Sunrise Journey. Shanghai Bobby has gotten off to a good start as a stallion, and is the sire of 2020 California Oaks winner Dynasty of Her Own. Has been working steadily at Golden Gate Fields.

Tim McCanna:

Top Harbor (Harbor the Gold/ Reba is Tops (He’s Tops))- The dam is a multiple Stakes Winner and is multiple Graded Stakes Placed– she earned $464,267 and did her best work sprinting on the turf. He is also a 1/2 brother to 6x winner and $193k earner Rebarules Again. There is sprint pedigree on both sides. Has put in a couple of quick works already and is entered to run on Friday, but it’s going to take a few scratches for him to get in off the AE list.

Miss Arrowhead (Smiling Tiger/ Infernal McGoon (Wekiva Springs))- Sold for a strong $44k at the WTBA Yearling Sale. Dam is a Multiple Stakes Winner and earned $153,965 in 17 starts. Is also a 1/2 sister to speedy Multiple Stakes Winner Ima Happy Cat. Has put in 6 workouts at Golden Gate Fields, and is entered to run on Thursday.

Murphys Tiger (Smiling Tiger/ Youtheprizeandi (You and I))- A homebred for Jethorse LLC. Is a 1/2 brother to 4-time winner Daddysprize. Along with his 1/2 brother, the stakes-winning dam also won on debut. Sprint pedigree on both sides.

Charge Cash (Will Take Charge/ Tiz Kissable (Tiz Wonderful))- Another homebred for Jethorse LLC. Don’t see too many Will Take Charge CA-breds. Dam was a debut winner and would go on to be Graded Stakes Placed. The dam is also a 1/2 to G2 placed ($231k earner) One True Kiss, and G2 winner Shancelot ($624k earner). Plenty of precocity in the pedigree. Has been working steadily at Golden Gate Fields.

Stormy Thunder (Get Stormy/ Thornhill (Good and Tough))- Sold for $35k at the Keeneland September Sale. Sire Get Stormy had a nice 2019 with runners like Multiple G1 Winner Got Stormy and Stakes Winner Fifty Five. Dam was a winner going long on the turf and earned $117,123 in her career. Is a 1/2 brother to Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Storm the Hill ($433,985). This one should really excel when he steps on the turf course.

Bill McLean:

Shanghai Groove (Shanghai Bobby/ Sita (Giant’s Causeway))- Was purchased in 2019 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $40,000. The dam did not do too much on the track, but was a 2x winner. The 2nd dam, Sangrita, is a G2 winner routing on the dirt. Shanghai Bobby’s seem to handle routing just fine. Has a few works on the tab already.

Garden in the Sky (Sky Mesa/ Garden in the Rain (Dolphin Street))- Sold for $9,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September Sale. The dam was 3x Graded Stakes Placed and earned $466,629 in 38 career starts. Turf pedigree on both sides, so really looking forward to when this one steps foot on the turf course.

Canam Gal (Bayern/ Better Not Blink (Hard Spun))- Purchased for $15k at the Keeneland September Sale. Has a great speed and route pedigree being by Bayern and out of a Hard Spun mare. The dam was 0/3 in her career, but did sell for $850k as a 2yo. Has already had 3 workouts at Golden Gate Fields.

Steve Miyadi:

Pappy Boyington (Grazen/ Sky Marni (Sky Mesa))- Dam was an 8x winner and earned $126,600 in 22 starts. Is a full brother to G3 winner and 2019 Camilla Urso Stakes winner S Y Sky, and stakes winner Grazen Sky ($463k earner). Has just posted 1 workout so far.

Felix Rondan:

Handcuffed (Comic Strip/ Honoree Lady (Roman Dancer))- Is a full sister to stakes-winner Handfull and multiple-stakes-winner Weewinnin. Has a lot of siblings that we have seen win over the years in Northern California. Has posted 2 works so far at Golden Gate Fields.

Steve Sherman:

I’m So Anna (Fast Anna/ So So Fast (Jet West))- Has already run once and ran a disappointing 3rd on paper. If you watched the race you would have seen how she broke slow, made a big move on the turn, and came on in the lane. Horses in the Sherman barn usually improve a lot in their 2nd start. Is a really big filly and is built like a 4yo. Definitely a sprinter that looks like she has some talent. Is entered back in on Thursday.

Starlight Stroll (Indian Evening/ Maddie’s Odyssey (Kitten’s Joy))- Very nice pedigree here for this daughter of Indian Evening. She is a a full sister to Sneaking Out who is a stakes winner and is G2 placed. Is also a 1/2 sister to G3 winner Grecian Fire and multiple stakes winner Been Studying Her.

Ms Sally (Bob Black Jack/ Farmer’s Wife (Quiet American))- A homebred for BKB Stables. She is the 3rd foal out of Farmer’s Wife. The other 2 foals are stakes winner Blue Diva and El Camino Real Derby runner-up American Farmer. The sire has really not shown much success at all, but maybe Ms Sally will turn things around for him.

Steve Specht:

Tom’s Song (Phantom Wildcat/ Ermine’s Song (Unbridled’s Song))- Won impressively on debut at the end of May– went straight to the lead, got challenged, and pulled away in the stretch. Is a 1/2 to 2yo stakes-winner Song From Above. Will likely see him in a Stake next.

Sweet Carol (Tamarando/ Jerry’shoneycarol (Bluegrass Cat))- This is Tamarando’s first crop, and he himself was very precocious as a 2yo winning the G1 Del Mar Futurity. He is also an El Camino Real Derby winner. His best runs came over the synthetics, and it will be interesting to see if he can pass that along to his progeny. The dam is a 1/2 to arguably the top sire in California in Lucky Pulpit (sire of California Chrome). Just one work on the tab so far.

Faith Taylor:

Bobby’s Alibi (Curlin to Mischief/ Sacred Alibi (Stormy Atlantic))- Sold for $24k at the CTBA NorCal Sale. Dam is a 1/2 to stakes-winner Abounding Legacy ($284k earner). Also the 2nd dam is a G3 winner. For being unraced, sire Curlin to Mischief had a decent start with his first crop. Has worked 3 times at Golden Gate Fields.

Dance With Kristin (Smart Bid/ Dancing With Dixie (Fullbridled))- Sold for $26k at the CTBA NorCal Sale. Must have been a standout on looks, as I can’t really find anything worth writing about on pedigree. That is a big price considering the pedigree. Should like the turf but the tapeta shouldn’t be a problem.

Jamey Thomas:

Chieftess Aine (Bold Chieftain/ It’s Aine (Swiss Yodeler))- Dam won 7 times and earned $168,480 in 44 career starts. First foal out of It’s Aine. Bold Chieftain progeny have shown they can do a bit of everything. Goes out for a barn that does well with firsters.

Seattle Bold (Bold Chieftain/ Roman Wild (Roman Ruler))- Dam was a 2x winner in 14 starts. Bold Chieftain progeny have shown they can do a bit of everything but this one seems like he could be better around 2-turns. Hasn’t been seen on the worktab since April.

Victor Trujillo:

Bertrando’s Gal (Haynesfield/ Beautranda (Bertrando)- Sold for $8700 at the CTBA NorCal Sale. First foal out of a debut-winning dam that won 7 times in 29 starts ($112k in earnings). The 2nd dam is a multiple stakes winner that earned over $201k. Haynesfield progeny have shown that they can run on any surface. Has worked 5-times already at Golden Gate Fields.

Jonathan Wong:

The Honorable One (Honor Code/ It Tiz (Tiznow))- Was purchased for a pricey $600k at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Dam is a multiple stakes winner and had 5 wins in 19 career starts– she banked over $260k in earnings. Also, this one is a 1/2 to G1 winning millionaire It Tiz Well, who won the G1 Cotillion, G3 Delaware Oaks, G3 Honeybee, and was also runner-up to Elate in the 2017 Alabama Stakes. This one is going to have a lot of hype, and I am excited to see him run. If there was such a thing as Future Book odds for the El Camino Real Derby, I am sure he would be the very early favorite.

Approved to Win (Boisterous/ Wife Approved (Street Sense)– Bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. The first foal out of 2x winner Wife Approved, who is a 1/2 to G2 winner and 600k earner Coach Inge. Has pedigree to suggest that his best running will be around 2 turns. Been working steadily

Frost Warning (Frosted/Miss Dolce( Unbridled’s Song))– Another homebred for Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. By multiple G1 winning freshman sire Frosted. Dam was purchased for $475k as a 2yo and would go on to win 5 times from 21 starts, including a stakes placing. Has posted a few works already.

Foreveronyourside (Boisterous/Two to Tango (Tapit))– He is a Tommy Town Thoroughbreds homebred. Dam was an allowance-caliber runner on the east coast and won over $170k in 21 starts. Being by Boisterous and out of a dam that was a turf horse, would have to think that 2 turns and grass are going to be what this one will excel best at.

Good Old Faithful (Old Topper/ Don’t Lose Faith (Ministers Wildcat))– Yet another homebred for Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. Bred to be a sprinter on both sides and should have some early speed. Is a 1/2 to Faithful One who is 3 for 4 lifetime (all at sprints).

Send Him Now (Flat Out/ Sweet But Sassy (Skip to the Stone)– 2yo gelding is a son of multiple G1 winner Flat Out and first sold for 5k at the 2019 Keeneland January Sale. This is the 2nd foal out of the dam Sweet But Sassy– she won 1 race from 12 starts and is also a 1/2 to $412k earner Jab and $242k earner So Urgent. Had a string of consecutive works, but hasn’t worked since May 23rd.

Shackey’s Love (Shackleford/ Heat Du Jour (Unusual Heat))- Another one of the many Tommy Town Thoroughbred homebreds. By Preakness and Met Mile winner Shackleford. Out of a stakes-winning dam that earned $277,334. Granted they were short works, but he has posted a few fast ones so far at Golden Gate Fields.

Unnamed (Vancouver/ Majestic Melresa (Majestic Warrior))- Just recently sold for $30k at the OBS Spring 2yo sale. The sire won his first 4 starts in Australia, including the G1 Golden Slipper. This is his first crop of 2yos in North America. The 2nd dam is multiple graded stakes placed. Seems like going long on the turf is going to be right in this one’s wheelhouse. Click here to view his sales work from OBS.

Blaine Wright:

Colavito (Smiling Tiger/ Hard Way Ten (Rock Hard Ten))- Dam is a stakes winner and earned $164,280 throughout her career. Smiling Tiger has been one of the top stallion standing in California and it seems like his 2yos are on the precocious side. Been working steadily and is entered to run on June 12th.

Sale’ Y Vale (Creative Cause/ Cee’s the Year (Cee’s Tizzy))- Sold for $23k at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The dam won 4 times from 22 starts and banked just over $90,000 in earnings. Is the 2nd foal out of Cee’s the Year, but he is going to be the first to make the races. Seems like he will appreciate more distance and Creative Cause progeny seem to get better with racing. Been working steadily and is entered to run on June 12th.

My preview for Saturday’s Albany Stakes did not go according to plan, but congrats to Mikes Tiznow for making it back-to-back Albany wins. A lot of credit goes to his trainer Andy Mathis for having him ready to fire off the year-layoff. That race taught me a valuable lesson that there is a big difference between speed and 5f turf sprint speed. Now we move onto Sunday’s feature, the 75k Golden Poppy Stakes. It is for Fillies and Mares 3yos and Up going 1 1/16m on the turf course. It goes as race 8 and has a post time of 4:03pm.

#1 Meal Ticket (Chew/ Desormeaux): Daughter of Malibu Moon has knocked heads with some of the top turf fillies on the west coast over the past few years (inc Vasilika and Keeper Ofthe Stars). You can draw a line through her last start as it was on dirt, she is clearly a better horse on the grass. She hasn’t been at her best in her last few starts, but could be sitting on a good one as this is her 3rd start of the year. Is taking the blinkers off today, probably hoping it can wake her back up. Will be taking back early and trying to make a run late.

#2 Morning Cynn (Badilla/ Lopez): Whenever you see a filly turf stake in Northern California, you know that trainer Manny Badilla is going to have a strong hand– this race is no different, as he has 3 runners in the field. Morning Cynn has really come around since breaking her maiden for 25k back in November. She has advanced through her conditions, and was last seen running a close 2nd by 3/4 of a length to Ziarah on the tapeta. She set the pace, and got ran down late in her first try routing. Would expect her to be on the lead in here. First try on turf, but her pedigree doesn’t scream turf at all as she is by Paynter and out of a Curlin mare. Badilla is 28% 2nd off the layoff.

#3 Desert Oasis (Drysdale/ Gonzalez): Is coming off a strong 2nd behind the talented stakes winner Dogtag in a 2nd level Allowance at Santa Anita. She started her career in France and did not show a ton of form, but once she got to North America she began to flash some ability. Has 2 wins and a 2nd from her last 3 starts. She seems to be on the improve heading into this one. Has a bit more speed than the form shows, and I would expect her to grab a nice spot on the rail in 3rd or 4th early on. Will try to get the jump on the closers.

#4 Ziarah (Badilla/ Alvarado): Coming into this one in good form, as she was able to run down loose leader Morning Cynn last time out. She finished up really well at the end of that race and would have to think she should be fully cranked for this one 2nd off the layoff. It does seem like she is a little bit better on the tapeta, but some of her prior turf races do fit here. Think she will be stalking the pace early in 3rd or 4th. Badilla is 28% 2nd off the layoff.

#5 Wicked Old Fashion (Trujillo/ Martinez): Has been a model of consistency over the years and seems to alway put in a good effort. She has hit the exacta 11 out of 13 times over this Golden Gate Fields turf course. If she can run back to her Kathryn Crosby Stakes win back in November (Del Mar), then she will have a shot in here. Last out she ran against the boys in a 12.5k Starter Allowance– that day she was stuck behind a very slow pace and finished up well to be 2nd. Should get a more favorable setup in here. Will be taking back and trying to pick up the pieces late.

#6 Blue Diva (Tamayo/ Hernandez): Won the Miss America Stakes back in November and will be looking for her 1st stakes win on the turf. She last ran in February, where she beat an open Allowance field on the tapeta. Is making her first start for trainer Isidro Tamayo, who is a strong 21% with new acquisitions. Getting leading rider Juan Hernandez aboard is a sign of confidence. She is only 1 for 5 lifetime on the grass, but does have some competitive speed figures over the surface. Is going to take back early and flash her strong turn-of-foot late.

#7 Boundforjamaica (Trujillo/ Antongeorgi): Pulled off a huge upset last time out at 56/1 in a 1st level Allowance race sprinting on the main track. She has shown success on the turf, but is stretching out to 2-turns for the 1st time in her career. Should have no trouble getting the distance based on her pedigree– she is by Drosselmeyer and out of a Dehere mare. Should show some early speed on the stretch-out and I think she is going to be sitting just off of Morning Cynn. Speed figurea are on the slow side, and she is going to need to step up. Bit of a wildcard.

#8 Sloane Garden (Badilla/ Frey): Had a very nice win in a 1st level Allowance over the turf course on May 23rd– she unleashed a strong rally after settling well behind a slow pace. Is taking a class jump up to stakes company. The outside post shouldn’t be a problem as there is plenty of time to get over before the first turn. Her last race was her first start on turf since coming to North America, and it is by far her fastest. She has a shot, especially if they go fast early. Is going to take back and make one run. Badilla is 28% 2nd off the layoff.

Pace Scenario:

Morning Cynn will likely be sending from the inside and I think Boundforjamaica is going to sit pretty close to her early on. Desert Oasis and Ziarah should be in a good stalking position behind the 2 leaders. Wicked Old Fashion and Meal Ticket are going to be the next 2. Blue Diva and Sloane Garden will most likely be at the back. The pace should be somewhat honest in this race.

Selections: 3-6-8-4

#3 Desert Oasis (6/1): A filly that is on the improve. Kept good company down south. Should sit a nice ground-saving trip.

#6 Blue Diva (7/2): Has the class. Prior turf races fit in here. Goes out for strong connections.

#8 Sloane Garden (8/1): Showed big improvement on the turf last time out. Has a strong turn of foot.

#4 Ziarah (3/1): Liked the way she finished up her last race. Is she as good on the turf as she is on the tapeta?

Saturday’s 11-race card at Golden Gate Fields is headlined by the 50k Albany Stakes– it is for 3yos and Up going 5f on the turf. This year’s field came up very salty, and I am excited to go over all 9 runners. Jockey tactics are going to play a big roll in this race as there appears to be a lot of horses with early speed. The conditions should be firm for this 5f turf dash. Let’s dive into it.

#1 Sunset Dragunn (Rivera/ Lopez): Jockey David Lopez pulled off a big upset breaking from the rail over this course in last week’s Camilla Urso Stakes, and he will be looking to do it again in the Albany. He is coming off a 3 month freshening and worked 4f in a sharp 48.1 (2/73) on May 30th. Last out he was 3rd behind Bear Chum in a 40k claimer over the tapeta. He took back further than usually and stayed on in the lane. Would have to think he is going to try to send from the rail. I am not sure if he is fast enough to get the lead but he will be forwardly positioned. Taking a jump in class.

#2 Daddysprize (McCanna/ Desourmeaux): Seems like this 5yo has dealt with his fair share of setbacks in the past as he’s only run 7 times. His last race on May 17th was his first start in over a year, and he managed to win in a tough 2nd level Allowance going 6f on the tapeta. Ran a strong 2nd in the 150k Real Good Deal Stakes back in 2018 and earned a 90 beyer that day. His one previous try on turf was going a mile as a 3yo and he bolted out on the first turn. Would draw a line through that. Should have no problem with the turf being by Scat Daddy. His figure of 84 in his last race appears on the slow side, but he was only 2 lengths off a very fast pace and managed to pull away in the stretch. Trainer Tim McCanna is 25% from 12 starters going 2nd off a 180+ day layoff, so would have to think he will take a step forward here. Kent is going to need to work out a trip from the inside. See him rating behind the speed.

#3 Bear Chum (Tamayo/ Monroy): This 7yo has sure been finding the winner’s circle recently as he is going to be going for his 5th straight victory on Saturday. While the top corner of his pps don’t show him having much success on the grass, it couldn’t be further from the truth. He started off his career in Hong Kong and back in 2016 he ran 2nd to super star Pakistan Star. Bear Chum has been climbing up the claiming ranks and is going to be facing his toughest field to date since coming to North America. Will need to take a step forward but does have confidence. His trainer Isidro Tamayo has been having a strong meet. See him sitting an inside stalking trip.

#4 Baja Sur (Wright/ Martinez): Last year’s Oakland Stakes winner will be making his first start since January, where he finished 5th after getting hooked in a speed duel in the 150k California Cup Sprint. His win in the Oakland was very legit and if he runs to that he will be very tough to beat. However, this is his first time on turf and he is going to take on some other speed types early. Ships in from Emerald Downs where he was training for this. Trainer Blaine Wright is 10% with first time turfers. I do not see much turf pedigree, but Smiling Tiger progeny have shown some ability on the turf and the dam ran her fastest beyer over it. Will be up near the lead early.

#5 Sparticle (Matthew/ Antongeorgi): Set the 6f track record at Penn National 3 starts back and then came to the west coast. May 17th was his first try in Northern California and he ran a late closing 4th behind Daddysprize. He showed a ton of speed in his starts back east, but this time he took back to last from the rail and made one run late– makes me think that it was a prep for today’s race. He is such a puzzling horse as he has the fastest pace figures in the field, but will he take back again? Or was that just to get ready for this? His closing run last time was a bit dressed up as the pace was very fast. Troy Matthew is a strong 20% 2nd off the layoff and should have him more cranked in here. Don’t see any turf in the pedigree at all. Will he send?

#6 Anyportinastorm (Wright/ Hernandez): Last year’s Lost in the Fog Stakes winner is making his first start of 2020 in here. Was last seen running 2nd by a head in the G3 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs. Has been running at this level consistently and looks like the one to beat on paper based on figures. Has speed, but is very tactical, and I would like to see him sit a similar trip to the one he had in the Lost in the Fog Stakes (sitting outside just behind the speed). Juan Hernandez had his choice between the Wright runners and opted here over Baja Sur. Previous runs on the grass have been solid enough but does seem like he prefers tapeta and dirt over it. Very sharp worktab heading into this one. Should be ready to fire.

#7 Mikes Tiznow (Mathis/ Gonzalez): The defending champ is going to have his hands full making his first start of 2020. He seems like the definition of a 5f turf specialist– in 4 starts he has 3 wins and a 3rd. Has a ton of early speed and has been in front at the first call in his last 7 starts. It could be tough for him to get the lead with a lot of pace to his inside, and he has never had to run on a fast pace before. Has some fast works coming into this one, but is going to have to fire his best ever effort to win in here. Andy Mathis is 8% off a 180+ day layoff. Facing his toughest field to date.

#8 Passionate Reward (Tamayo/ Frey): The 2nd of 2 Isidro Tamayo runners in here. Was 3rd to Bear Chum last time out. Came on in stretch but got cut off, shifted out, and came on again at the end– I don’t think he would have won, but I do think it cost him 2nd. Jumping up from 40k claiming level into Stakes company. Will need to run his best race to contend here. Could get some pace to close into if he sits back early. Has 1 win from 5 starts on the grass.

#9 What’sontheagenda (O’Neill/ Couton): The lone Southern California shipper in here is looking for his 1st Stakes victory. Was looking like he was going to become a major player in the California turf sprint division back in 2019, but hasn’t seemed to return to that form since. He did run a decent 3rd in the Clocker’s Corner Stakes. Has a lot of early speed but is breaking from the far outside and taking the blinkers off. Seems like he is going to sit a wide trip that’s close to the pace in here– it could be tough to overcome that late. Out of 11 races going 5f on the turf, he has no wins and 5 seconds. Can he return back to his top form in here?

Pace Scenario:

Out of all the stakes previews on here, the pace scenario in here looks like the toughest to predict. I see 2 main speed horses with Baja Sur and Mikes Tiznow. Sunset Dragunn could go too and Sparticle is more than capable of going to the lead. Daddysprize, Anyportinastorm, and What’sontheagenda have tactical speed and should be sitting just off of it. Bear Chum and Passionate Reward look like they’ll be at the back early. The pace should be fast in here.

Selections: 2-6-4-3

#2 Daddysprize (10/1): Wanted to take a shot in here with a price as many of the runners have question marks. Will have to work out a trip from the 2 hole. Should move forward 2nd off the layoff.

#6 Anyportinastorm (2/1): Class of the field and is coming into this one with a sharp worktab. Think he sits a nice trip. Goes out for strong connections.

#4 Baja Sur (7/2): Definitely a contender if he fires his best. Should be near the lead early. Trying turf for the first time.

#3 Bear Chum (10/1): Riding a 4-race win-streak. Could run on late to catch a piece underneath.

The 3yo fillies take center stage on Sunday at Golden Gate Fields in the 75k California Oaks. While this is not the biggest field in the world, it is still an interesting handicapping puzzle. It goes as Race 7 and will be run at 8.5f. Post time is 3:59pm.

#1 Reiwa (Wong/ Antongeorgi): This daughter of James Street started to really show her potential once she stretched out around 2-turns. Her last 5 races have all been at a route distance and she has yet to miss the exacta in those. Been keeping good company in her last few races and is coming off of a 2nd place finish to stablemate Dynasty of Her Own on March 29th. Dynasty of Her Own opened up a good margin and Reiwa was able to cut into it in the lane– she lost by 1 1/4 lengths. She is honest and is alway going to make her run. Has more speed than I originally thought but think she will sit back and stalk the leaders.

#2 Dynasty of Her Own (Wong/ Gonzalez): Has alway shown a lot of potential and has lived up to it so far. In 4 career starts she has 3 wins (including a win in the 65k Boarderplex Stakes at Sunland Park). Her win on March 29th was impressive as she set a very fast pace, opened things up on the turn, and put them all away in the stretch. 3rd place finisher She’s So Special came back to win an Allowance against the boys sprinting on the turf at Santa Anita. While she does have a lot of speed, she has shown in the past that she is not dependent on being in front early– that ability can come in handy with their being some other speed types in here. Her finish in the lane is not the strongest according to late pace figures, but that is kind of expected with how fast she goes early. Has been working steadily down at Santa Anita and looks like she is coming into this one in top form.

Click here to view a workout from her on April 23rd at Santa Anita

#3 Paige Anne (Callaghan/ Martinez): The first of 2 runners for trainer Simon Callaghan. 2 races back she ran here at Golden Gate Fields and won an Allowance race by a commanding 6 lengths– really liked how she took off in the lane to draw off from the others. I would put a line through her last race as she found the waters too deep against talented stablemate Donna Veloce in the G3 Santa Ysabel Stakes. Would have to think she will be on or near the lead in this spot.

#4 Fashion Royalty (Gallagher/ Couton): SCRATCH. Ran at Santa Anita on Saturday.

#5 Mollie O’ McEvoy (Delia/ Frey): This daughter of Clubhouse Ride has progressed nicely and seems to be coming into this one well. Broke her maiden for 25k in November, then won a 50k Starter Allowance after that. Been at the 1st level Allowance level in her last 3 starts and finally was able to get the job done last time out on March 8th– she wired the field and held off a challenge from Reiwa late. Being drawn outside the other speeds is going to be good for her as jockey Kyle Frey can either put her on the pace or sit just off of it.

#6 Mind Out (Callaghan/ Hernandez): The 2nd of 2 runners for trainer Simon Callaghan. Showed a ton of talent coming from way back to win on debut at Del Mar going 5f on the turf in August. This will be her first start on the tapeta, but I don’t think she will have any issues with it being by Tapit and out of a Lemon Drop Kid mare. Has a world of talent, but seems to be her own worst enemy. Has broken slow from the gate in the past and been a bit green. In her last start she came home really well to finish 2nd behind the talented Parkour after completely missing the break (3/22 Allowance at Santa Anita). That was her first run in blinkers and those seemed to focus her more. Will be running on late. Fastest numbers on paper. Needs to break better.

#7 Eclair (Baffert/ Van Dyke): Was last seen winning the Golden Gate Debutante back in November. Will be stretching out to 2-turns. Her last try routing was at Del Mar on the turf and she finished 7th by 8 1/4 lengths– I couldn’t find any excuses that day either. Based on pedigree she should have no trouble getting the distance, and would have to assume Baffert knows she can see out the trip if he’s sending her up here. Best race of her career was over this track and should sit in a nice stalking position.

Pace Scenario:

I think Dynasty of Her Own is the quickest early and is going to be sent from post 2. Paige Anne has some speed too and I think she will keep close to Dynasty of Her Own. Mollie O’ McEvoy has some speed but I would assume she is going to sit just off the leaders in 3rd. Reiwa will get a stalking position on the inside and Eclair should be sitting in a similar spot outside of her. Mind Out will be close to those 2 at the back. The pace should be solid in here even though it is a short field.

Selections: 6-3-7-1

#6 Mind Out (7/2): Is talented and should get a good trip from off the pace with Juan Hernandez aboard. Needs to break cleanly in here.

#3 Paige Anne (4/1): Thought her Allowance win in January over the tapeta was impressive. Can stick close early and has finish late.

#7 Eclair (3/1): Baffert has had a lot of Stakes success up here over the past year. Seems to be training well heading into this one. Is she as effective routing?

#1 Reiwa (8/1): Think she can run on late to pick up some of the pieces underneath. The extra 1/16th should help.

This year’s Camilla Urso Stakes attracted an overflow field of 14 horses, 10 are in the body of the field and there are 4 AEs. It is scheduled to be run at 5f on the turf, but there is supposed to be some rain overnight and into the morning. Hopefully the race stays on, but it is something you’ll want to monitor closely. Click here for the hourly weather forecast

The Camilla Urso is for Fillies and Mares 3YOs and Up going 5f on the turf for a purse of $75,000. R8- 4:23pm Post Time.

#1 Tomlin (Specht/ Frey): The 2018 Golden Gate Debutante winner makes her way back to Golden Gate Fields after finding the waters too deep at Santa Anita on May 17th– she ran 6th beaten 7 lengths behind multiple G1 winner Bellafina. Was outpaced early, made a brief move on the turn, and flattened out. She fits much better with these types and will be making her first start on the turf. Her pedigree doesn’t really scream turf at all, but she is a 1/2 to Strike it Rich who is a G3 winner on the grass. She ran 4th by 1/2 a length to many of these (Ima Happy Cat, Gotham Desire, Vronilla Parfait, and Mother of Dragons) 3 back, and won by a nose against Mother of Dragons and Coco Bee 2 back. Has tactical speed and could sit a good pocket trip. Can she handle turf?

#2 Coco Bee (Wright/ Hernandez): Is coming off a 2nd place effort behind Tomlin on March 1st and a 3rd place effort behind Left Alone on March 22nd. This is going to be her first try on grass, but should have no problem with it being by Richard’s Kid. She has always shown the ability to run on late, so hopefully the blinkers can sharpen her up a bit early. See her sitting a stalking trip in here. Her numbers fit and goes out for strong connections.

#3 Ima Happy Cat (Markle/ Gonzalez): While she was runner-up in last year’s Camilla Urso and doesn’t have to face the likes of SY Sky, she is still going to have her hands full in this spot. Has one-way to go and is going to be on the engine in here. Her speed is her best weapon and horses with early speed seem to have an advantage in turf sprints. Her figures fit in here and has been knocking heads with many in the field. In her last race she was 2nd to Left Alone but that was at 6f (she seems to prefer 5-5.5f). Her trainer Dan Markle has not gotten off to the best of starts this meet and is 0/6 at the Spring Meet. Red Livy has a lot of early speed and will be sending too, but I think Ima Happy Cat is going to try to take them all the way (especially being drawn inside of her).

#4 Left Alone (Badilla/ Antongeorgi): The daughter of Reckless Abandon is searching for her 3rd straight victory. She had always shown talent, but did start to tail off a bit during the summer of last year. Her trainer Manny Badilla has done a great job turning her around as she has gone from a 2nd level 20k claimer to wins at the 40k claiming level and at the open Allowance level. Last out she flashed a very strong turn of foot to run down Ima Happy Cat who was loose on the lead. She showed a lot of speed early on in her career but now she has learned to relax and finish off her races– her late pace figure have improved in her last 2 starts. Something to note is that the last time she sprinted on turf was at Santa Rosa and completely bolted on the turn. See her stalking in here.

#5 Princess Vivian (Ledezma/ Martinez): The Bear Fan Stakes winner is going for 3 straight victories. She has been very consistent in her 7-race career with 4 wins and no finishes worse than 4th. Last time out on February 22nd she showed a very strong turn of foot to run down Morning Cynn (who came back to win in a 1st level Allowance next time out). The layoff isn’t too much of a concern as she has shown she can run well off the bench. While her success has come over the tapeta, her career debut was on the grass and she finished 2nd by a head. She is going to have a lot of ground to make up but should get some pace run at. Her run is going to need to be timed perfectly at this sharp of a distance. Will come from the back.

#6 Fantasy Heat (Glatt/ Alvarado): Has shown an affinity for going 5f on the turf. In her 4 career tries at the surface/distance she is 3 for 4 with a 3rd. Was last seen running 10th in the Unzip Me Stakes in September at Santa Anita. That effort can be excused, as she has not been seen since then. The worktab coming into this race is pretty spotty. Last drill on May 23rd was a sharp 47.1 from the gate. Glatt is a strong 20% with shippers and can get them ready off a layoff (14% off 90 days plus). Her figures are a touch light, but her win 2-back at Del Mar was good and you can usually expect improvement going from a 3yo to 4yo. Has some speed and see her sitting just behind Ima Happy Cat and Red Livy.

#7 Storming Lady (Marquez/ Desormeaux): Ships up from Southern California for trainer Alfredo Marquez and is coming off a 2nd level Allowance win on March 1st at Santa Anita going 5.5f on the turf. I see her taking back and trying to make one run. Seems to be coming into this one doing well as she last worked 4f in 47.1 from the gate on May 23rd (same time, but didn’t work with Fantasy Heat). Her numbers fit and will have pace to run at. She is 9/2-3-3 going 5f on the grass in her career.

#8 Red Livy (McLean/ Gomez): Trainer Bill McLean has done a great job with this mare since claiming her for 8k back at Del Mar last summer. She rattled of 3-straight wins going 5f on the turf and then her form started to drop in her last 2. Got a freshening and hasn’t been seen since December 14th. The number she earned in her last win (10/31) fits with these in here, but she did get a perfect trip on the lead that day. Don’t see her getting that same trip with Ima Happy Cat in here. McLean is 10% off 90 days plus. Has one way to go and will be sending for the lead– she’s been in front at the first call in 9-straight races.

#9 Gotham Desire (Moger Jr./ Amador): Seems to handle the turf well and is also 1 for 1 at this trip. Last out she was stuck behind a slow pace and didn’t do much running late. However, her 2 starts prior to that were solid. Has been knocking heads with many of these in here and hasn’t really gotten the upperhand. Coming off a bullet 5f work in 59 flat in her most recent work. Moger is 9% off a 46-90 day layoff). Best numbers are slightly behind and is going to need to take a step forward. Will take back and try to make a run.

#10 Vronilla Parfait (Ledezma/ Monroy): The stablemate to Princess Vivian is going to get overlooked in here based on her last 2 starts. The run 2 back at mile can be dismissed, but last time out she didn’t show much run at all after being stuck behind a slow pace. Has been consistent throughout her career and could maybe wake back up off the layoff. Her best puts her in the mix, but so far in her 4 starts this year she hasn’t been at her top level. Is 1 for 4 lifetime sprinting on the turf. Will try to stalk and pounce. Could get a wide trip.

AEs

#11 Mucho Amor (Wright/ Frey): The 2nd of 2 runners in this spot for trainer Blaine Wright. Showed a ton of potential last year in her first few starts in this barn. Ran poorly in August at Emerald Downs going 1 1/8m and was given a 7-month layoff. Sat a perfect trip in that common Allowance race on March 22nd and showed absolutely nothing. Her top efforts would have put her right there but she was very cold on the board and ran like it. Maybe the route races took some of that strong finish out of her? Will try to wake back up on the turf.

#12 Mother of Dragons (Psarras/ Couton): If she gets in, she will be making her first start on turf. Has speed and will probably use it from the outside to get position. Don’t see her being on the lead with other speedsters in here, but think she will be sitting just off on the outside. Was on a slow pace last time and just got ran down by a nose to Tomlin. Will try to get first jump on the closers in here. Pedigree doesn’t really suggest turf. Has the numbers but not sure how this trip will suite her.

#13 Dearborn (Bonde/ H Herrera): Had some ok sprint efforts down south before shipping up to Golden Gate Fields for her last start. Was on a moderate pace going 6f and got ran down late. Ran 2nd 2-back at 5.5f on the turf at Santa Anita in a 35k claiming race. Has early speed and would expect her to flash that here. Probably won’t get the lead in here from an outside post, but should be sitting close. Numbers are on the slow side and hasn’t shown much finish in the latter part of her races.

#14 Bezzy (Trujillo/ C Herrera): Is going to need a lot of luck to even get into the field being 4th on the AE list. Victor Trujillo has had a great start to the meet– he has 4 wins from 21 starts (19%) and 15 of those have been in the money (71%). Her race on 5/16 was her first start since August and she might have needed one off the layoff. 2-back she was 2nd at Santa Rosa in an Allowance going 5f on the turf. Her numbers are definitely on the slow side and I think she would sit a very wide stalking trip in here. One random and useless fact as it pertains to this spot, but Bezzy is a 1/2 to the talented 3yo Indian Peak.

Pace Scenario:

The pace in here looks like it is going to be contested by 2 horses with a lot of early zip. I see Ima Happy Cat and Red Livy duking it out early on the front end. Fantasy Heat has some early speed and I think if she’s sharp off the layoff will be sitting behind them in 3rd. I have Tomlin, Coco Bee, and Left Alone sitting in the front of the stalking pack. Then in the back end of the stalkers is going to be Vronilla Parfait and Storming Lady. Princess Vivian and Gotham Desire will be sitting at the back of the field. (If the AEs get in) Mucho Amor has some speed and I could see her using it to get some early positioning behind the leaders. Mother of Dragons will probably sit in a spot just off of the speed too if she gets in. Dearborn has enough speed to go with the leaders but I doubt she does due to her post, she should be sitting really close though. Bezzy does not have a ton of early zip and will likely be sitting a wide stalking trip. The pace should be very honest in here.

Selections: 5-1-7-3 (On Turf)

#5 Princess Vivian (9/2): Is going to need a perfect trip from the back, but should get pace to run at. Has been improving and think she takes another step forward here.

#1 Tomlin (6/1): The class drop should help and I think she will like the distance. Turf is a question for her. Should sit a great pocket trip.

#7 Storming Lady (4/1): Has kept good form down south. Should get a good setup. Will be coming from off of it.

#3 Ima Happy Cat (6/1): Is going to be on the engine in here. Think she’s best going 5-5.5f. Showed last year she can handle the turf.

This is going to be a great race and it seems wide open on paper. Hopefully the insight and replays were able to help with your handicapping. Should have a preview for the California Oaks up sometime Saturday evening. Good luck!

I know there hasn’t been much activity on the blog this year, but I am excited to get it back up and running again with previews for every stakes race this meet. Also, the annual “2yos to Watch” list will be up within the next week or two. Golden Gate Fields has a strong 11-race card on Monday, and it is headlined by the 100k All American Stakes. A field of 7 was drawn, so lets jump into the Memorial Day feature.

The All American Stakes is for 3yos and Up going 1M on the Tapeta. Race 8- 4:22pm post time.

#1 Kiwi’s Dream (Trujillo/ Hernandez): Was an Allowance-caliber sprinter throughout his career up here in Northern California, but that was until his last effort. It was his first try routing and he scored a dominant wire-to-wire win going 8.5f in a 2nd level Allowance Optional Claimer. While it was just a field of 5, he was able to kick on well in the stretch after setting strong opening fractions. Would have to think leading rider Juan Hernandez sends from the rail here and puts him on the lead again. Trujillo strikes at a 10% rate off a 45-90 day layoff. First time in stakes company here for Kiwi’s Dream.

#2 Restrainedvengence (Desormeaux/ Brinkerhoff): The Rolling Green Stakes winner is shipping back up to Northern California for another stakes victory. The 5yo gelding has been very consistent and seems to alway put in a good effort. While he has never run on a synthetic surface, he has shown versatility by winning stakes races on both dirt and turf. He won last out in the 75k Curribot Handicap on March 6th at Sunland Park. Has been running consistently at the stakes level. His last few efforts off a layoff have been decent, but not to his top level. The worktab shows he’s working about every 2 weeks and is coming in off a sharp work in 47.3 at Santa Anita. Should sit a trip that is just off the pace in here. Has enough speed early to lay close and sports by far the fastest late pace figures in the race. Fastest numbers in the field and is a deserving favorite. Tough read with the work pattern and layoff.

#3 Bold Endeavor (Antongeorgi/ Papaprodromou): This son of Bernardini is going to be making his first start over a synthetic surface on Monday. The first 4 starts of his career were on the turf and he did not show much ability at all. He then switched to the dirt and broke his maiden in a 50k MCL race. While Bold Endeavor has come along slowly, he has shown a lot of improvement throughout his 11-race career. His last start was a solid 2nd behind Kershaw in a 2nd level Allowance at Santa Anita– he sat just behind the winner but could never close the gap in the stretch. While his early pace figures aren’t that quick, I would imagine with Antongeorgi aboard he is going put him probably in 2nd or 3rd off projected leader Kiwi’s Dream. The figure from his last race makes him a contender here.

#4 Premium Forest (Tamayo/ Monroy): The son of Forest Command is riding a 3-race win streak into this one. He is also making his first start under trainer Isidro Tamayo, who is a strong 21% with new acquisitions. Tamayo is also 26% off a 45-90 day layoff. Premium Forest has wins on all 3 surfaces and sports wins from 6f to 1 1/2m. This is a big jump in class from a 12.5k starter allowance. Would have to think he is going to take back early and try to come with one big run at the end. His numbers are on the slow side and would have to run a career top to win in this spot. I do think he is a bit more talented than his numbers show, as his late pace figures are higher than the par for this level. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him come in underneath at a good price.

#5 Camino Del Paraiso (Jauregui/ Gonzalez): The ultra-consistent 7yo is coming off strong 2nd place finishes in G3 events on the turf down at Santa Anita (1M Thunder Road on 2/8 and the 1 1/2M San Luis Rey on 3/21). Trainer O.J. Jauregui has done an amazing job with Camino Del Paraiso– he was purchased for just 5k and has earned over $330k in 35 starts with 5 wins and 12 seconds. The son of Suances is pretty versatile and has show the ability to either sit close or to come from off of it– he is a bit one-paced and will be trying to grind away in the lane. A mile does seem to be a bit on the sharp side for him and I am not the biggest fan of horses cutting back from 1 1/2M to 1M. While it seems like his preferred surface is turf, his Allowance win back in January is good enough to get it done in here. Jauregui is just 8% off of a 45-90 day layoff, but I think that stat is a bit misleading, and especially when it comes to Camino Del Paraiso as he has shown the ability to run well off the layoff before.

#6 Engram (Miller/ Amador): 7yo gelding seems to be a huge price in every race he’s entered and has outrun his odds many times in the past. However, he does seem very outmatched here and is probably going to have to run a career top to even hit the board in here. He is coming out of 3rd place effort in a 40k claimer at Santa Anita. Has shown some early speed in the past and is a bit of a wildcard in terms of pace. I am leaning towards them taking back and trying to run on to catch a piece of it.

#7 Builder (Tamayo/ Couton): Last year’s All American Stakes runner-up is back looking for his first stakes win. Coming off a freshening since November and has some fast works on the worktab heading into this one (last work was a 5f bullet in 1:00.3 on 5/17). As stated above with stablemate Premium Forest, Tamayo can get a horse ready off a layoff. Has some tactical speed, but so do a few others in here, and with being drawn the widest (first turn comes up very quickly going 1m) he is probably going to have to take back a bit or risk getting caught wide into the first turn. His #s fit with these in here, but might have to take a step forward to win in this spot.

Pace scenario:

Kiwi’s Dream is the quickest horse in the field, plus combined with breaking from the rail, he is going to send and be on the lead early. I think Kent will play the break with Restrainedvengence and if nobody goes with Kiwi’s Dream, he will stick close to the leader. If somebody else goes, he can take back and sit just behind the lead. Bold Endeavor has some ok early pace figures, but Billy Antongeorgi can get aggressive and try to put some pressure on Kiwi’s Dream. If not, then I would have to think he’s sitting somewhat close to the front. I see Camino Del Paraiso and Builder sitting close to each other in 4th and 5th in here. Engram and Premium Forest look like they’ll be at the back. The pace should be pretty honest up front.

Selections: 2-1-5-4

#2 Restrainedvengence (2/1): Never thrilled with picking the chalk, but decided to lean towards this one in here. His prior runs off the layoff aren’t the best, but he has been kept in training since his last race so should be fit enough. Has enough speed to stay in it early and has strong late pace figures to rundown Kiwi’s Dream late.

#1 Kiwi’s Dream (5/2): See him sitting a great trip on the lead here and has shown the ability to route. This is going to be his stiffest test so far. Could be tough to catch if he gets loose up front.

#5 Camino Del Paraiso (3/1): He fits well and always seems to be there at the end. Not the biggest fan of the cutback from 1 1/2M to 1M. He can win, but think today will set him up well for something down the line.

#4 Premium Forest (10/1): Is going to take back and could see him making a run late to grab a piece underneath.

I know this is not the most creative opinion ever, but hoping the previews and replays for each horse can help you formulate your opinion on the race. Looking forward to the 2 stakes next weekend. Good luck!

The road to the Kentucky Derby makes it’s annual stop on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields for the El Camino Real Derby. Along with earning 10 Kentucky Derby points, Saturday’s winner will also receive an automatic berth into the Preakness Stakes. Last year we saw Anothertwistafate make some noise on the Triple Crown trail after his impressive victory in the El Camino Real Derby, and it will be interesting to see which one of the 11 entrants can try to do the same this year. The El Camino Real is for 3yos and run at 1 1/8m over the tapeta surface.

I am going to go over my thoughts on all 11 runners in the field below.

#1 Indian Peak (Howey/ Hernandez): This son of Comic Strip has continued to improve and progress in his 6 lifetime starts. He broke his maiden on the turf and then came back to run a better-than-looked 4th in the Gold Rush Stakes (wide trip throughout). Breaking from the rail should be no issue for him as he will likely take back and be able to save ground. After that he came back to win a 1st level Allowance impressively against Final Final and Sacred Rider at the end of December. His last start was in the Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita where he ran a distant 7th– he never got a good handle of the dirt and was very rank with the strong kickback. He moved into contention on the turn but checked a bit turning for home and could never quicken over the dirt. Coming into this one off two strong 5f bullet works in 59.4 on Feb 2nd and 59 flat on Feb 8th. I remember seeing him in the paddock back in November and he is a huge horse with a big stride to him. The 9f distance shouldn’t be an issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9H4iDWOUw&t=12s

#2 Praise Loudly (Franko/ Amador): Broke his maiden at the 20k claiming level on the turf back in November. Is coming off 2 3rd place finishes at the Starter 50 level. Was boxed in with nowhere to go for 1/2 the stretch last race and came on a bit at the end. Seems outmatched here and would be surprised if he could even split the field here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHvakb4Scck

#3 American Farmer (Sherman/Desormeaux): Was finally able to put it all together in his most recent start, which saw him break his maiden in his 6th lifetime start. The 8.5f race was the furthest he had run to date and was able to win by 1 1/4 lengths. American Farmer closed from 10 lengths back that day and got a strong pace setup in front of him to do so. While his numbers are improving, he is taking on a big class jump from MSW level to Stakes level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5XAgEG94Vg

#4 Wine and Whisky (Rondan/ Herrera): This son of Fullbridled is coming off a strong race in the local Allowance prep for Saturday’s race— he finished 2nd by a neck to The Stiff. Stayed on well that day and galloped-out well. Before that he ran in the Indian Peak Allowance race on Dec 27 and finished 5th by 6 1/2 lengths. However I think that finish is not indicative of the horse’s talent as he had to check on the first turn and was very rank inside of horses. Also, he made a move up the rail in the stretch but the hole got shut off and he lost all of his momentum. He has more speed than it might look on paper. Seems like a horse that is still improving and is going to be a price.

#5 Mysterious Stones (Sherman/ Antongeorgi): Coming out of the Allowance prep on January 19th where he ran 3rd by 3/4 of a length. That day he got a dream trip tracking a moderate pace and could not sustain that run in the stretch. Stepped up from a 20k maiden claiming level to 2 straight wins at the Starter 50 level. Hard knocking horse is steadily improving. Pedigree suggests he should get the 9f trip here. Is very tactical and if the pace gets slow, he could take advantage. Needs to take a step up here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75zUTiEi_dQ

#6 Final Final (McLean/ Krigger): Another one of the runners in here that is coming out of that Allowance prep on Jan 19th. Broke from the far outside in there and had a wide trip throughout to finish 5th by just 2 3/4 lengths. Seems like a horse that likes to harness his energy and make one burst. Numbers are behind here and will likely need some pace to run at if he is going to make any noise in here.

#7 Sacred Rider (Specht/ Alvarado): This Lucky Pulpit gelding has run 9 times without a layoff since June and is coming off of his most impressive race to date. He finished 2nd by a neck and nearly pulled off a 36-1 shocker in the Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita. This horse has really started to improve since going 2 turns. In December he ran twice, finishing 2nd in the Gold Rush Stakes and 3rd in an Allowance behind Indian Peak and Final Final respectively. His last race puts him right there with the top contenders in here, but was that do to him running on dirt? Him getting better? or a combination of the two? He should be able to get the distance in here. Most of his races he has rated or taken back a bit, but he has shown the ability to run quick pace figures on the lead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX-u-ald-bw

#8 Ajourneytofreedom (Wright/ Gonzalez): While he has the pedigree and connections for the El Camino Real Derby, his form to date has not been up to the level I would have expected it to be. Got drifted very wide into the first turn in the Allowance prep last out and finished 4th by 3/4 of a length to The Stiff. He disappointed that day as the even $ favorite, but did have some excuses. 3f work on Feb 2nd should have sharpened him up and had a stamina building 6f drill in 1:13 on Feb 8th. He broke his maiden on the lead, and I think his best chance is getting involved early. Distance should be no issue for him but needs to improve and take a step forward. People were pretty high on this one early on, so maybe he can put it all together in here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRaeHAw18vk

#9 Azul Coast (Baffert/ Bejarano): Bob Baffert is no stranger to the Triple Crown trail and has another loaded hand this year. 3 of his contenders are undefeated and in the top 10 of most early Derby lists. While Azul Coast might be his 4th or 5th stringer, he is no slouch. Flashed plenty of talent on debut at Los Alamitos, where he won by an easy 4 lengths. His 2nd career start was his last start, and that was a distant 2nd by 7 3/4 lengths behind Authentic in the G3 Sham Stakes. He dropped back to the rail early on and was able to pick up the pieces late. He finished well but I am not exactly sure what he finished ahead of in there. Seems like he will get the distance and having Sky Mesa on the dam side could help him handle the tapeta. His figures are fast and he looks like the one to beat. Should take a ton of money at the windows. Does not have a lot of early speed and will be running on late. Bejarano makes the journey up north to ride in here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIKdyG6Xbp8

#10 Czechmight (Baltas/ Valdivia): You don’t often see Keeneland winners make their next starts at Golden Gate Fields, but that is the case for Czechmight. Ran a very distant 4th on debut at Ellis Park and then came out of that to wire a maiden field at Keeneland. He was then put into the KEENOV sale and was purchased by his new connections for $190k. Has a strong work tab coming into this one with some sharp 4f drills. Also has a great pedigree as he is by Street Sense and out of an Indian Charlie mare. I see him sitting forwardly placed in here. While Baltas is a solid 18% off 90+ day layoffs, he has a lot of 4f drills on the tab, and I am not sure how fit he will be to get the 9f distance. Also going 9f off a long layoff is a difficult task as well.

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/usa/kee/2019/10/13/2/race-2-msw-at-kee-on-10-13-19

#11 The Stiff (McCarthy/ Couton): 3yo son of Danza is heading into the El Camino Real Derby off a score in the local Allowance prep. He broke a bit slow which forced him to sit further off the pace and made a sustained run in the stretch on the outside to win by a neck. This outside post doesn’t do him any favors with his running style (in a field with a lot horses that don’t have speed). However he might be able to save some ground as it is a long run into the first turn. 2 starts back he ran in the Eddie Logan Stakes on Turf at SA and was a distant 7th by 7 lengths. Grinding/plodding type that should seek out the 9f trip. Win over track shows he can handle the tapeta as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4OxRseF5Sg

Pace scenario: This is a very difficult race to project the pace because there is not a ton of true speed in here, but I will try to take a crack at it nonetheless. I think Alvarado is going to send with Sacred Rider and Ajourneytofreedom is going to be tracking him from the outside. Czechmight is a bit of a wildcard in here but I project him to be sitting close on the outside in 3rd. Wine and Whisky and Mysterious Stones are going to be forwardly place on the inside in 4th and 5th just behind the leaders. Then I see a gap back to American Farmer and The Stiff who will try to tuck in as much as he can from the outside post. Praise Loudly, Azul Coast, Indian Peak, and Final Final will be close to them at the back. I don’t see it being a super hot pace in here but I think the fractions will be moderate enough up front.

Selections: 1-9-7-4

#1 Indian Peak: He looks like an improving colt and if you throw out his last effort on dirt he looks like one that could contend in here. His win on December 29th was strong. Juan Hernandez knows him well and should be able to work out a trip in here. Big horse with a long stride. Coming off 2 strong bullet works.

#9 Azul Coast: Baffert spots his horses really well and this one has shown potential in both career starts. Running on a new surface for the first time and will be closing late. The one to beat in here and will take a ton of $.

#7 Sacred Rider: Has speed and is coming off his best career race. Has a big shot in here especially if he gets a good trip up front. Does his last effort show where his talent is at right now? Or was it the dirt that moved him up?

#4 Wine and Whisky: Is coming off a good 2nd in the local prep for this race and should sit a very comfy ground saving trip in here. Think he will stay on and could catch a piece of it at a big price.