Coming off of a close 2nd at the 8k claiming level, Revenue Virginius was dropped in for a 3200 tag this afternoon. Race 2 was a 3200 claimer for older fillies and mares going 1m on the main track. The daughter of Congrats pressed the lead in 2nd, and when jockey William Antongeorgi made his move, it was lights out. She began to open up on the field and kicked on strongly in the lane to win by a dominant 8 lengths. Key to Glory held on for 2nd by a nose over Life No Parole. Revenue Virginius gave trainer Ari Herbertson his 4th win of the meet from 17 starters. She ran the mile in 1:40.38, and was claimed after the race by trainer Jose Puentes.
The 5th race was the feature, and it was a 32k open claimer for fillies and mares 4yo and up going 1 1/16m on the main track. Smiling Ann sat in 2nd and pressed My Blue Bell from the outside. She would put her away rounding the turn, and kick on to score by 1 3/4 lengths. Since being claimed for $12,500 last June, she has run 10 times for trainer Jonathan Wong, and has had 6 wins and 2 seconds. This daughter of Trappe Shot has continued to improve her speed figures, and has shown versatility by being able to run well on both turf and tapeta. She stopped the clock in 1:45.97.
Lastly, in today’s 4th race, we saw Lyrically Violent win nicely on debut. The 3yo filly debuted at the 12.5k maiden claiming level for trainer Bill McLean. Despite being 15/1 on the morning line, she took a lot of money early and was odds-on at one point in the wagering– she would ultimately drift up and go off at 5/1. She sat in last on the backstretch and made a nice move in-hand on the turn. In the stretch, she ran on strong to wear down Hong Kong Flew and get up for a 1 3/4 length win. She covered the 6f in 1:13.04. I think it is safe to assume that she will be protected next time out, and it could be in a Starter Allowance. Along with a strong gallop out, the pedigree is there to suggest she could stretch out– she is by Violence and out of a Thunder Gulch mare.
Jockeys: William Antongeorgi had a nice afternoon getting 2 wins on the 7-race card.
Cedillo *59* 2. Hernandez *45* 3. Martinez *33*
Trainers: All 7 races were won by different trainers.
Wong *41* 2. Hollendorfer *15* 3. Wright *14*
Live racing resumes tomorrow with an 8-race card. First post is at 12:45pm. Top local sprinter and synthetic specialist Richiesinthehouse runs in the 3rd race.
‘Horses to Watch’ highlights horses that should be followed for potential wagering options in the future. Virtual stables or stable mail are good tools to help you follow along.
There are 2 horses featured on this week’s list.
Iron Alex (Feb 23:Race 8) Broke inward from the rail and was pretty rank on the backstretch. Made a move from the back around the turn and rallied on well to get 4th. Speed was playing very strong this day and the winner in here won gate-to-wire. This was his first start for trainer Andy Mathis, as he was claimed for 16k in his previous start at Santa Anita. Should improve next out if he gets off the rail.
Thorny Weather (Feb 22: Race 4) Got away from the gate slow and sat in the back. Was asked in the stretch and had a strong rally for 3rd. Will get a ton out of this race because it was his first start since November 1st. Going to be much fitter 2nd off the layoff.
In the 3rd race, stakes winner Ima Happy Cat took the 5.5f 62k Optional Claimer. Julien Couton had this daughter of Smiling Tiger sitting in 3rd behind Spring Heat and Impecunious, who were dueling on the lead. She was wheeled out into the 3 path in the stretch and ran on strongly to get up by 1/2 a length, despite not switching leads. Dan Markle did a great training job by having her ready in her 2nd start since August. She has definitely shown her best form sprinting, and I’d imagine they’d keep running her at a 1-turn distance. The final time for the race was 1:03.78, and she earned a 72 Beyer Speed Figure.
Still a Funny Girl took the 4th race on the card, and it was a 50k Starter Allowance for Fillies and Mares 4yos and up going 1m. She was coming out of a strong race, where she ran 3rd to Wish You Were Mine. Jockey Julien Couton stalked the leaders and gave her a great ride by staying glued to the rail throughout the race– the rail opened as they entered the stretch and she kicked on well to score by 3 lengths. The Patrick Gallagher trainee has a beautiful pedigree, she is by Distorted Humor and out of an AP Indy mare. Still a Funny Girl was coming off a 2 1/2 month layoff prior to her last start and it seemed to have her primed for today’s effort. The final time was 1:40.16, and she earned a 68 Beyer Speed Figure.
Jockeys: Julien Couton led the way by scoring 3 wins on the card. Frank Alvarado and William Antongeorgi each had strong showings with 2 wins.
Cedillo *58* 2. Hernandez *44* 3. Martinez *33*
Trainers: Steve Sherman had 2 wins on the program– he took Race 1 with Wasco and Race 8 with C C The Bartender. Jonathan Wong reached the 40-win mark after winning the 2nd with Major Implications.
Wong *40* 2. Hollendorfer *15* 3. Wright *14*
I know there was not a ‘Horses to Watch’ released last week (my bad), but there will be one coming out on Wednesday.
Live racing resumes Thursday with a 7-race card. First post is at 12:45pm.
Speed seemed to be the theme on this 9-race Saturday card. 6 of the 9 races today were won gate-to-wire and 2 of the other 3 races were won with horses that sat in 2nd place. It is definitely something to take note of for future handicapping.
Today’s 6th race was a 5.5f 2nd condition 62.5k Optional Claimer, and it was the feature race of the day. It was a very competitive race and a trio of horses took all the money at the windows. The Hollendorfer stable was represented by win-machine Mr. Twinery, who was going for his 5th straight win. The 8yo local favorite Sir Vronski was seeking his 23rd career win. And lastly, stakes winner Summersimage was rounding back into form after running a strong 2nd to one of the top Norcal sprinters, Richiesinthehouse.
As the gates opened, Summersimage broke alertly and was sent to the front, but would ultimately defer the lead to the rushed up Mr. Twinery. As they turned into the stretch, Mr. Twinery was being urged and began to comeback to the field. Summersimage was asked to go on the outside and finished up well after being close to quick fractions– he went on to score by 1 1/4 lengths under leading jockey Abel Cedillo. Sir Vronski made a 3-wide move after sitting in a good stalking position, but would ultimately come up short. Mr. Twinery held on for 3rd and Awhitesportscoat rallied to complete the superfecta.
The Ricardo Perez trained Summersimage is now 5 for 14 lifetime and has earnings of $143,903. He is a 5yo Cal-bred by Slew’s Tiznow out of Summer Swimmer. Fractions for the race were 21.98, 44.71, 56.55, with a final time of 1:02.88. Summersimage paid $6.60 to win, $3.40 to place, and $2.40 to show.
Jockeys: Abel Cedillo and Catalino Martinez each had big 3-win days. Frank Alvarado had a solid 2-win day after taking the opening double.
Cedillo *57* 2. Hernandez *44* 3. Martinez *33*
Trainers: Ricardo Perez won Races 6 and 7 on the card with Summersimage and Madam Marinia respectively.
Wong *39* 2. Hollendorfer *15* 3. Wright *14*
Live racing resumes tomorrow with a 9-race Dollar Day card. First post is at 12:45pm.
After being disqualified last time, Blue Diva was able to come back today and snag a 50K Starter Allowance win in the 2nd Race. The Steve Sherman trained filly sat off pedestrian fractions, and was able to run down pace-setter Cash for Cass– she got up on the wire to win by a nose. Jockey Abel Cedillo got her to respond late and she showed a lot of heart. Throughout her young career she has had some interesting races. In the maiden breaker she was put up after the winner was DQ’d, and then when she crossed the wire first for the first time, she was DQ’d. She may not be the flashiest, but she is a steadily improving and consistent 3yo daughter of Blue Grass Cat. Blue Diva has crossed the wire ITM in all 6 of her 2-turn starts. She finished up the 1m race in 1:40.20.
The 3yo colts also had a 50K Starter Allowance today and it went as race 3. This 5.5f sprint had a contested pace that set things up for 2 horses coming off of the pace. Two Bills was able nip Eighty Proof on the line to prevail by a neck. This son of Run Brother Run saved ground on the rail the whole way and was boxed in for a bit in the stretch– a seam eventually opened and jockey Catalino Martinez was able to get him up just in time. He closed from 10 lengths off the pace in his debut back in June, and was put on the shelf until 12 days ago, where he ran a narrow 2nd in a 40k Optional Claimer. Ricardo Perez has a versatile colt that continues to improve. The 5.5f was covered in 1:04.28.
Today’s 5th race was the 4th leg of the Stronach 5 wager, and it was won by the 2nd time starter Princess Run It. The Jamey Thomas trainee made a strong 3 wide move and wore down the pace-setter Behold the Gold to score by 2 lengths. The final time for this 8k maiden claiming 5f dash was 59.45. Also, the carryover-infused Stronach 5 paid an impressive $10,945.40 for $1.
A drop in class and putting the blinkers on seemed to do the trick for Irish import Snow Cloud in the 7th. She sat in 3rd behind the leader Allotment, and made a strong sustained bid in the lane to score by a comfortable 2 lengths. Leading trainer Jonathan Wong and leading rider Abel Cedillo teamed up to win this 16k claimer with the 7yo daughter of Kodiac.
Also, after a $46k early P5 carryover from Sunday, today’s pool reached nearly $234k and paid $318.15 for .50.
Jockeys: Leading jockey Abel Cedillo had a 2-win day to extend his lead.
Cedillo *54* 2. Hernandez *44* 3. Martinez *30*
Trainers: All 8 races today were won by different trainers.
Wong *39* T-2. Wright, Hollendorfer *14*
Live racing resumes tomorrow with a 9-race card that begins at 12:45pm. Mr. Twinery goes for his 5th straight win in Race 6, and takes on local favorite Sir Vronski and stakes winner Summersimage.
Monday’s card concluded a 4-day race week at Golden Gate Fields. After winning the El Camino Real Derby by 7 lengths aboard Anothertwistafate, jockey Juan Hernandez finished the week off strong by taking 3 wins on the President’s Day program. Hernandez is currently 2nd in the jockey standings, and has won 43 races from 168 starts for a strong 26% win clip. Today, he took races 4, 6, and 9. In the 4th, he scored an impressive 6 length win aboard 5k Maiden Claimer, If I Had A Nickel. Also, in race 6, he won aboard Charming Starlet in a $8000 claimer. Hernandez and Moger teamed up for both of those wins. And in the finale, he won aboard 11/1 shot Pretty Surprise. He shifted the Hollendorfer trainee out in the stretch and rallied home strongly to win by a head. It has been great to see Hernandez bring home winners consistently throughout the meet.
Not to go unnoticed on this card, was Karsavina finally breaking her maiden in the 7th. She was coming off a narrow defeat last race, and 2-back she ran against the boys and lost to Shadrack. Today she stalked the pace on the inside under Catalino Martinez and ran on well in the stretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Trainer William Delia’s decision to throw the blinkers on definitely seemed to focus the filly more today. 2-turns has been a difference maker for her, and she has shown she can run well on both synthetic and turf. Plenty of options for her throughout the rest of the meet.
Jockeys: Juan Hernandez took home 3 races on the card. Also, Ricky Gonzalez had a solid 2 win day.
Cedillo *52* 2. Hernandez *43* 3. Martinez *29*
Trainers: Ed Moger got 2 wins on the day. Jerry Hollendorfer hopped back into a tie for 2nd in the standings after winning the nightcap.
Wong *38* T-2. Wright, Hollendorfer *14*
A new edition of ‘Horses to Watch’ will be released on Wednesday.
Live racing resumes Friday with an 8-race card. First post is at 12:45pm. There is also an early P5 carryover (Races 1-5) of $46k. The Stronach 5 wager has a carryover or $169k and it involves the 5th race.
Race 1:
Break the Line J:Gonzalez T:Cone $29.20 $14.20 $6.40
Bombay All Day J:Monroy T:Sherman $5.40 $4.00
Smiling Matt J:Herrera T:Taylor $3.40
Race 2:
The Pet J:Antongeorgi T:Tamayo $34.40 $10.80 $5.40
Calm Down Lady J:Alvarado T:Bonde $5.20 $4.20
Oyster Shooter J:Martinez T:Delia $4.20
Race 3:
Hot N Breezy J:Herrera T:Hansen $15.80 $5.60 $2.60
Stormy Mist J:Martinez T:Delia $4.00 $2.40
Married by Now J:Solis T:Chew $2.40
Race 4:
If I Had a Nickel J:Hernandez T:Moger, Jr. $8.80 $3.60 $2.60
The fans came out to Golden Gate Fields on a beautiful Dollar Day Sunday in the Bay Area. Attendance was over 3400 and total handle reached the 3 million dollar mark (both according to equibase charts). It was a fun card with a lot of competitive races.
In race 6, the 1.45 million dollar purchase Mantaray Island got the job done. He went to the lead from post position 5 and never looked back– he turned them all back in the stretch to win by 3 lengths. The opening 1/4 and 1/2 went in 22.04 and 45.69. He stopped the clock in 1:04.14 for 5 1/2 furlongs. It took the Doug O’Neill trainee 3 starts to get his diploma. Mantaray Island is by Bernardini and out of a Horse Chestnut mare. He is a half to GSW Ocho Ocho Ocho, and his 3rd Dam is Personal Ensign. He has the pedigree to go along with his natural speed, and it will be interesting to see if he can build off this performance.
The 2nd race was a 1 1/16m Maiden Special Weight for Fillies and Mares 4yos and up. 7th time’s the charm for Arch Anthem, as she broke her maiden for trainer Richard Mandella. She had a big class edge on this field, as all her prior starts came in Southern California. Today she stalked the pace on the inside patiently under leading jockey Abel Cedillo, and then kicked on nicely in stretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths.
Ronsky’s Hope lit up the tote board in Race 8 by paying $45.40 to win. Trainer Daniel Franko added the blinkers today and it put this son of Vronsky much closer to the pace. He pressed the lead under jockey Wesley Henry and pulled ahead in the stretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths. The 6 furlongs were covered in 1:12.01.
In the nightcap, we saw an impressive 50k Starter Allowance win by Angels N Devildogs. She was sent hard early, and was put on an uncontested lead by jockey William Antongeorgi. She looked loaded the whole way, and totally ran them off their feet– she won by a dominant 4 lengths. John Martin trains this 4yo Midshipman filly, and she has now earned her 3rd win from 8 starts. She ran the 5 1/2 furlong race in a 1:04.12
Jockeys: Abel Cedillo extended his lead in the standings after a strong 3-win day. Catalino Martinez continues to ride well after winning 2 races on the card.
Cedillo *52* 2. Hernandez *40* 3. Martinez *28*
Trainer: All 9 races on the program were won by different trainers. Jonathan Wong added another to extend his lead in the trainer standings.
Wong *38* 2. Wright *14* 3. Hollendorfer *13*
There will be a special 9-race holiday card tomorrow for President’s Day. First post starts at 12:45pm.
Anothertwistafate after his 7-length El Camino Real Derby score
It was a cold and windy Saturday at Golden Gate Fields on El Camino Real Derby Day. The road to the Kentucky Derby stopped by the Bay Area for it’s annual trip. Also, an added incentive to this year’s race is that the winner will receive an automatic berth to the G1 Preakness Stakes.
The local favorite Anothertwistafate took them all the way and scored a dominant 7 length victory in the El Camino Real Derby. The Blaine Wright trainee broke alertly and was able to inherit the lead after Kingly deferred. After a swift opening quarter went in 23.38, jockey Juan Hernandez did a great job to slow things down and relax this son of Scat Daddy. As Kingly and the others began to make there moves, Anothertwistafate was able to find more gears. He began to pull away at the top of the stretch, and quickly opened up to a 7-length lead– his acceleration was breathtaking. The most important part of his performance to me was that he was able to run the final furlong of this 1 1/8m race in 12.08 without being asked much. While he does have a spot in the Preakness, today’s sparkling performance seemed to give the connections ‘Derby Fever’. After the race, owner Peter Redekop told XBTV reporter Millie Ball that they are going to look at 2 more Derby preps. Anothertwistafate was the most dominant El Camino Real Derby winner in recent memory, and it is great to see a local horse give the Kentucky Derby trail a go. Bob Baffert’s Kingly was still a bit green, but was able to hold on for 2nd place– he is still figuring things out. The Hollendorfer trainee More Ice rallied on for 3rd place. Longshot Angelo’s Pride made a wide sweeping move to complete the superfecta.
It took 3 starts for Fairly Lucky to break her maiden, and she did it in Race 6. Coming off 2 uneasy trips, jockey Juan Hernandez was able to keep this Lucky Pulpit daughter out of trouble after the slow break. She sat in 8th on the backstretch, and made a 5-wide sweeping move on the turn. The William Morey trainee rallied on strongly to win by 1 1/2 lengths– she is progressing nicely.
Fairly Lucky in the paddock on 2/16/209
Yesterday, we saw Abel Cedillo have a strong 4-win day. He is riding at such a high level, and the defending champion is continuing his quest to repeat. Catalino Martinez had a nice 2-day win and is sititng in 3rd in the standings. Trainers Jonathan Wong and Jerry Hollendorfer each won 2 races on the 8-race card. Mithqaal was able to make it back to back 62.5k Optional Claimer wins. This son of Speightstown has been so consistent, and is showing he is just as strong on the tapeta as he is the turf.
Jockeys: Juan Hernandez had the hot hand today, as he won 3 consecutive races– he took races 5, 6, and 7.
Cedillo *49* 2. Hernandez *40* 3. Martinez *26*
Trainers: All 9 races today were won by different jockeys.
Wong *37* 2. Wright *14* 3. Hollendorfer *13*
Results:
Race 1:
Honey Pot J:Martinez T:Wong $10.00 $4.40 $3.20
Bounty Hunter J:Antongeorgi III T:Hollendorfer $3.80 $2.80
Bills Smokn Bullet J:Ceballos T:Morey $2.80
Race 2:
King’s Peak J:Antongeorgi III T:Herbertson $7.40 $3.40 $2.20
Lolly Express J:Cedillo T:Tamayo $3.00 $2.40
Pass Due Payment J:Alvarado T:Navarre $3.20
Race 3:
Seau J:Alvarado T:Howey $5.20 $2.80 $2.20
King Eddie J:Cedillo T:McCanna $3.20 $2.40
Bob’s All In J:Gomez T:Chew $2.40
Race 4:
Sojourn J:Monroy T:Gonzalez $54.20 $11.80 $8.40
Freddies Dream J:Martinez T:Wong $3.00 $2.40
Forever the Chief J:Antongeorgi III T:DeLima $5.80
Race 5:
Scott’s Best Beth J:Hernandez T:Mathis $3.00 $2.40 $2.10
Paved in the winner’s circle after winning the 2018 El Camino Real Derby
It is always exciting when the Derby trail comes through the Bay Area, and the El Camino Real Derby is one that local fans always make sure to circle on the calendar. Along with there being Kentucky Derby points up for grabs, the runners will also be competing for an automatic bid into the G1 Preakness Stakes. A field of 13 will be lined up to go the 1 1/8m distance over the tapeta. Below is an in-depth look at each runner in the race.
#1 Angelo’s Pride- Speed figures have improved in every start. Grinding type that will be running late. Not sure about the 9f, but he has the style that helps. This 3yo gelding is by Lakerville and out of a Game Plan mare. Saturday’s race is a big step up from Starter Allowance races. Numbers are well behind on paper, but he is improving and will be saving all the ground on the rail.
#2 King of Speed- He is definitely the class of the field as he is coming out of back to back G1 races. His last race was in the Los Al Futurity, where he lost to arguably the best 3yo in the country in Improbable. The runner up Mucho Gusto came back to win the G2 Robert B Lewis and 3rd place finisher Extra Hope came back to win an Allowance (finished ahead of Kingly). 2 races back he was running in the G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf over a boggy course. He has strong prior form on the turf and is a multiple listed stakes winner. This will be his first start since December and his trainer Jeff Bonde is no stranger to winning the El Camino Real Derby– he won it back in 2015 with Metaboss. King of Speed is by Jimmy Creed, which doesn’t scream 9f. However, he is out of an AP Indy mare. He has a strong turn of foot, which could come in handy in a race like this on a synthetic surface. Also, he could progress going from a 2yo to a 3yo. Not sure how he will he handle the 9f and the synthetic surface, but he is the class of the field and his price will be square.
#3 Data Hawk- Was supplemented into the race. Got beaten handily by Anothertwistafate last time out going 1m over the tapeta. Pedigree doesn’t necessarily scream 9f either. He is by Data Link and out of a Southern Halo mare. Must be showing something to be supplemented, but numbers are slow on paper. He will be flying from the back of the field at huge odds.
#4 Anothertwistafate- Had a rough go of things in the career debut down south sprinting on the dirt. Came back to run at his home track and had back to back dominant performances over the tapeta. While he did wire both fields, it does not seem like he needs the lead. Being able to go over a route of ground made a world of difference for him. The jump to 9f on Saturday should be no problem based on pedigree. He’s by the late Scat Daddy, who’s progeny have had a ton of success on the synthetics. Along with being the sire of Justify, Lady Aurelia, and Mendelssohn, Scat Daddy also sired the 2012 El Camino Real Derby winner Daddy Nose Best. There is also a lot of stamina on the bottom side of the pedigree, as Anothertwistafate’s dam is a 1/2 sister to multiple G1 winner and 2003 French Oaks winner Nebraska Tornado. On February 3rd, he had a stamina building 7f work and was timed in a quick 1:27.1. Jumping in class here, but he fits on figures, has the pedigree, and seems versatile.
#5 The Creep- Fastest race of his career came over this track. Ran a nice 2nd in the Gold Rush Stakes after sitting close to a hot pace. Since that race, he has comeback in 2 grass races at Santa Anita and finished behind a few of the others in this field. Galloped out well in the Gold Rush Stakes and has the pedigree to suggest he could handle the distance/surface. His sire Twirling Candy had a ton of graded stakes success on the synthetics down south and his dam is by High Yield, who won the G1 Bluegrass Stakes going 9f. Also his trainer Doug O’Neill won the 2016 El Camino Real Derby with Frank Conversation. Numbers are a bit slow, but his Gold Rush Stakes performance was solid, and should be able to handle the 1 1/8m distance.
#6 Weekly Call- His numbers have improved in every start and is coming off a 3rd in a 1m Turf Allowance at Santa Anita. Has some speed, and figures to be near the pace early. Distance and surface should be no problem based on pedigree, as he is by Multiple G1 winner Will Take Charge, and is out of G1 Del Mar Oaks winner Summer Soiree. Also, Summer Soiree won the G3 Bourbonette Oaks over the synthetics by a dominant 10 3/4 lengths. Weekly Call is the 2nd horse sent out for Doug O’Neill in this year’s race. Strong pedigree and is improving, but needs to take a big step forward here based on form.
#7 Eagles Call (IRE)- Finished in 2nd last out and a head in front of Weekly Call at Santa Anita. Is a nice 2 for 3 lifetime over a All-Weather surface and has a strong turn of foot. Also, he’s by No Nay Never (Scat Daddy) and out of a Danehill mare. Distance is on the dam side for sure, but I am not sure about the top of the pedigree. No Nay Never was a top class sprinter. Also, his last race was his first route race in 10 starts. Tough to gauge and probably an underlay at the 5/1 ml, but he loves the synthetics and has good form– distance will be the question.
#8 Rey Coliman- Coming off a 5-length defeat to Anothertwistafate last out. That was his best career race and he is one that will be running late. His pedigree suggests he will be ok at the distance. He is by Breeders Cup Classic winner Fort Larned, and is out of a Singing Saint mare. Seems outmatched on paper and will be a big price in this spot.
#9 Kingly- The Bob Baffert trainee won on debut going 6f at Del Mar in November. Came back 2 weeks ago and ran 2nd in a 1m race in the slop. During his first route race, it looked like he was struggling on the turn and was somehow able to re-rally up for 2nd. He was a bit green that day, but showed that the talent is there. His pedigree is as good as you’ll see. He is by leading sire Tapit, and out of a multiple G2 winning mare in Justwhistledixie. Also, he is a full brother to 4x G2 winner Mohaymen, and a half brother to G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile winner New Year’s Day. Baffert has had success in the El Camino Real Derby in the past, as he won it in 1996 with Cavonnier. He has the top connections, a great pedigree, and strong figures heading into this race. He is going to take a ton of money here, and is going to need to be more mature this time out.
#10 Knight’s Cross- Lightbulb seemed to go on during the last 2 starts. Broke the maiden for a 50k tag and followed that with a nose loss in a Starter Allowance. While both those starts were on the dirt, I would say it more had to do with maturity than surface. He has a nice pedigree for the tapeta. Knight’s Cross is by Mizzen Mast and out of a Stormy Atlantic mare. Mizzen Mast can get them to go long, but his dam was a sprinter. Class and distance are going to be the challenge for this Keith Desormeaux trainee. Has a bit of early speed and should sit a tactical trip. Numbers need to improve a lot.
#11 Royal Insider- He is the lone maiden in this race after not running better than 4th in his 4 career starts. Godolphin and Eoin Harty are taking a flyer in this spot. He is a one-paced type and will be grinding away throughout the 9f journey. He is by Divine Park and out of an Include mare. While he has the style for the distance, he is going to have to improve a ton in this spot.
#12 More Ice- He was last seen running 3rd in the Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita in December. He is a progressive type and it is very reasonable to think he will take another step forward here. His trainer Jerry Hollendorfer has won the El Camino Real Derby an impressive 6 times. More Ice shipped up early and has had 2 works over the tapeta surface. He is by More Than Ready and out of a Tapit mare. He should be able to handle the surface– the 9f distance is a bit questionable. His form is a little slower on figures, but horses seem to improve a lot from 2yos to 3yos. Also, getting leading jockey Abel Cedillo doesn’t hurt.
#13 Mayor Cobb- He is coming off a Starter Allowance win over this surface. The 13 post is going to be hard to maneuver, but luckily it is a long run into the first turn at this 9f distance. His race 3 back in the Gold Rush Stakes was very solid as he ran 3rd after getting a wide trip. Also it doesn’t hurt that the Jonathan Wong barn has been red hot as of late. He is by New Year’s Day (Street Cry) and out of an El Prado mare. He has enough stamina in the pedigree and has shown success on the synthetics. Will be hoping for a hot pace in front as he will be flashing his turn of foot late. Could definitely see him out-running his odds.
NorCal Horse Racing News 