It’s the last Saturday of racing for the Winter/Spring meet at Golden Gate Fields. We have a special early first post of 12:15 with an 11 race card on tap. The feature event is the $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3 year olds going 1 Mile on turf. That is race 7 and for thoughts you can scroll down to see. Quick notes on what has happened so far this week: The turf has favored runners on or near the front but the rails were out at 20 feet. Rails today will probably be at 0 feet. The jockeys who were cold on Thursday’s writeup have found their way to snap the cold streaks. They’ll look to finish the meet strong. 99 horses entered today equating 9 horses per race on average which is excellent to close things out. Here are my thoughts:
153 race selections – 40 top pick winners (26%), 96 top picks in the money (63%)
Race 1: 1 Mile Tapeta $4,000 Claiming F & M 3 & up (6-5-2)
We kick off with a field combined 7 for 108. These runners are looking for win number 2 and I don’t like this favorite who is one of many runners winless on this tapeta surface (0 for 10). 5 horses are coming out of a common event on May 31.
6 Sweet Chayane broke her maiden last time out for 5. She takes the next step to the n2L condition. Her tapeta route races have been very consistent and I’m digging the light bulb angle here. Not many runners like winning and she could benefit off a recent victory. Silvio Amador and Jesus Ramos will look to kick off the program with a win once again today after doing so yesterday. A good value play early at 8/1.
5 Tooley Tunes is the other horse that has a victory on this tapeta. She exits a common race with 4 other foes in here. She was 5th beaten 2.5 lengths. She is one who could be on the front end early. There’s a lack of speed so there is a chance a horse like her could go gate to wire. She will need to improve a couple lengths to surpass the other runners here.
2 Vonhra is another mare exiting the common event. She was a rallying third that day beaten less than 2 lengths. That was her first start in 2 months and could improve second time off the break. She is winless on tapeta but does sport 7 second or thirds including 5 of those times routing at today’s distance.
Other to consider: 4 American Royalty ran a good second last time after setting the pace and getting caught in the stretch. She’s winless in 11 tries over the tapeta and appeared outmatched prior to her last effort. Her lone win came on turf and that was a while ago but she does enter back at this same condition as she was in last time. Repeat effort could help.
Race 2: 6 Furlongs Tapeta $25,000 Maiden Claiming 3 year olds (2-5-4)
Some lightly raced 3 year olds take the stage here. Taking a stand against a shipper from Santa Anita who figures to get play (7).
2 Balius ran a good second last time out on a class drop. Second time in for a tag and an extra half furlong could improve this runner quite a bit. Last time out he was drawn down on the rail and had to angle out late in the stretch. Hoping for some improvements today. Racing line 2 starts ago shows a super nice runner in Jeffnjohnsthunder.
5 Musket Powder hasn’t done much wrong in 3 starts as he’s never missed the board. He is taking a step up in class and cutting back in distance. He should have the stamina edge over many other runners here. He could be seen coming on late in the stretch. Hoping he’s not too far back in a paceless race (on paper).
4 Albany Front is making his second lifetime start for trainer Jamey Thomas. He was drawn an outside post and had to go 4 wide into the stretch but didn’t make up much ground in the stretch. A better drawn post position could improve this horse as the typical Jamey Thomas runners do improve second time out (33%).
First time starter watch: 3 Nehushtan is a debuting son of Goldencents. David Lopez rides and this horse could be forwardly placed. He’s been working pretty steadily for this debut. Andy Mathis has been on quite a streak of late and this debutante could add to that.
Race 3: 6 Furlongs Tapeta $6,250 Claiming 3 year olds & up (4-5-2)
We have another sprint here. This time there appears to be more speed than the prior race.
4 Red Star has been really consistent in terms of hitting the board of late. He likes the pace to be hot to run at. The extra half furlong should allow him an extra burst of kick. Kyle Frey stays aboard as this gelding looks for win number 2 making his second start off a 2 month freshening.
5 Ivorian is another runner who has been pretty consistent running at this level. Since shipping to Golden Gate he hasn’t missed the trifecta. He should appreciate the added ground and could be coming late with the speed battle expected up front.
2 Cyclops finished 5th last time in a common race behind our top two picks. That was his first start in 2 months and could improve today making his second start off the break. Juan Hernandez gets aboard today. His lone win was at today’s distance of 6 furlongs.
Other to consider: 6 Ice Or Fire comes in off a wire to wire maiden breaker last time out. He had a pretty easy lead but today there appears to be more speed. He has also finished behind Cyclops in the past so he needs to make up ground to improve but the light bulb angle could be in play here.
Race 4: 1 Mile Tapeta $5,000 Maiden Claiming 3 year olds & up (6-9-5)
A big field of 10 bottom level maidens here including a runner who cost half a million (2) but hasn’t done much running.
6 Silver Fury ran a good second last time against a tougher group of maidens. Yes he’s 0 for 15 but he’s been close of late. It appears he could be sitting right off of the speed to make a run. Trainer hasn’t missed the exacta with his starters here and Julien Couton retains the mount today.
9 Gold N Grand is an interesting runner. He exits a turf race. Cross that out including his 3 prior turf runs as he hasn’t done much on that surface. That leaves two average dirt runs and a second on tapeta at this level. Obviously that last run didn’t go well but that was his first start in two months so that’s excusable and he’s worth a shot at 6/1.
5 Pegasus Sprint ran a good second at this level last time out. This horse never hit the board or even came close his first four runs but he’s improved over the last two starts. He appears to be able to stalk today’s pace and rally in the stretch. Jockey trainer combo from race 1’s top pick team up again here and this time at 8/1.
Others to consider: 1 Matson drops in terms of claiming tag but also enters to face older competition. He draws a nice inside post position and should sit towards the back. Expect a move around the turn. 7 Rowdyrooster exits a common race to Matson and finished third behind him. He always makes a late kick in the stretch and has been consistent hitting the board at Golden Gate (5 for 6). 4 Beausun exits a common race to our third pick finishing third behind him that day. Last couple tapeta routes have seen improvement and been sneaky good. 1 for 71 trainer will try and get his second win this meet here.
Race 5: 1 Mile Turf $12,500 Claiming 3 year olds & up (1-8-2)
First of 4 turf events today here.
1 American Camp ran a super good third at this level last time out off a 2 month break. He drew post 12 that day and today he’s on the rail. This makes a big difference and in two tries on the Golden Gate turf he’s finished first and third. Frank Alvarado gets back aboard this runner.
8 Tequila Blanco is 1 for 15 but has been close of late. He always seems to come from well out of it. Apprentice Juan Espinoza gets aboard today for the first time. Exits a common race with our top pick last time and was 4th beaten three lengths. He will need to improve to get by.
2 El Borracho returns in 9 days after breaking his maiden on tapeta. He gets back on the turf where he ran third before getting dq’ed to 4th. He has run well on the turf and will hope for a hot pace to chase.
Other to consider: 3 Boyson originally cost $190,000. This gelding is winless on turf and drops from starter allowance to a 12.5 claiming tag. He’s another who will hope for a hot pace up front.
Race 6: 5 Furlongs Tapeta $8,000 Maiden Claiming 3 year old Fillies (11-4-5)
We kick off the pick 6 with a big field of 12 to dash the shortest race of the day.
11 Miss Vanjie Nation has run second twice in two starts. It’s an unfortunate post position today as she’s drawn way outside. If she can get herself in a good position early it will save her from going wide into the turn. I could see her sitting right off the speed to the outside. This will also be her second start off the 2 month break.
4 Sassy and Hot puts the blinkers on today. She is also cutting back to 5 furlongs. She figures to have some speed company early but will try to fend off the competition. Obviously the shorter distance could be an advantage with her speed.
5 Jazzy Einstein made up a ton of ground in the stretch on debut. She figures to improve second time out today but also is dropping in class. The only concern is this race is at 5 furlongs and it’s hard to close from too far out of it in a short race.
Others to consider: 3 Tiz the Standard is a 13 time maiden with 8 in the money finishes. She figures to sit a nice trip near the inside just behind the speed. However she’s done the same thing in nearly all 13 starts which is make a move on the turn but not finish the job. 6 Charging Home figures to be part of the speed. She was beaten by just a neck last time at this class and distance. She had a nice bullet work last Sunday. 8 Perfect Mood ran third behind our top pick last time. The price difference between these two horses is amazing and it seems she can sit right off the speed in the second flight.
Race 7: 1 Mile Turf $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes 3 year olds (5-7-8)
Our feature event today has a field of 8 and it appears loaded with early speed.
5 Kanderel ships in for trainer Richard Mandella. He was last seen in an allowance turf sprint at Santa Anita. He figures to sit a good trip from off the pace. He was stakes placed as a 2 year old and tries a stake here at 3. Juan Hernandez gets aboard this shipper.
7 Indian Peak would be the hometown choice. He has a win and two seconds on turf. He ran in the El Camino Real Derby in February and also the California Cup Derby. He was last seen in an allowance event down at Santa Anita finishing second. David Lopez gets aboard for the first time today.
8 Governance exits a wire to wire victory over this turf course. In his two back race he finished 7th and our top pick was 6th. It appears this gelding could stalk right off the pace from an outside post. William Antongeorgi iii retains this mount.
Rest of the field: 1 Zimba Warrior is trying turf for the first time. He has run into some really good horses in the past like Authentic, Azul Coast, and Thousand Words. No monsters here but only a surface question. 3 Ajourneytofreedom gets on turf for the first time. He ran 7th in the El Camino Real Derby. He should get a good pace to run at. The question will be whether he can pick up his feet on turf. 4 Bettor Trip Nick was last seen in the Echo Eddie at Santa Anita. He is one of a few who figure to show speed right from the get go. He has won stakes races over the tapeta. 2 Mylittlerunaway is a filly taking on the boys. She went gate to wire last time on turf and is looking for 3 wins in a row. 6 Darnquick will be trying turf and two turns for a first time today. He figures to be part of the speed brigade.
Race 8: 1 Mile Tapeta $40,000 Claiming F & M 3 & up (6-5-2)
We kick start the late pick 4 with some higher level claimers.
6 Creative Romance is dropping in class today. She previously ran against allowance optional company. Her last effort featured Ziarah and Morning Cynn who ran in the Golden Poppy. She also cuts back to a mile and should be sitting off a nice pace. William Antongeorgi iii stays aboard this filly who has 3 wins over the Golden Gate tapeta and 2 at this mile journey.
5 Qafilah makes her first start off the claim for Andy Mathis. She is winless over this tapeta surface and has all 5 wins over the turf course. She might be part of a speed battle but if she takes back she could close with a chance. Ricardo Gonzalez on board for the first time.
2 Reginella won impressively off a 9 month layoff last time out. She steps up in class today and will try two turns. She’s never hit the board in 4 tries at today’s distance. I could see her sitting midfield hoping for another off the pace win. Juan Hernandez Blaine Wright tandem here.
Race 9: 5 Furlongs Turf Maiden Special Weight (Cal Breds) 3 year olds (5-9-7)
Cal breds sprint 5 furlongs on turf and many are trying this surface for the first time.
5 Descartes ships in from SoCal for Edward Freeman. This horse has routed in the past and shortens up today. The blinkers go on and I think this son of Square Eddie could be a lot more involved and close up today.
9 Beaudacious ran impressively on debut after missing the start. He rallied into 4th beaten only 2 lengths. He tries the turf today for his second lifetime start. He can improve with a better break.
7 Dubronsky debuted at a lower claiming level. After breaking slow he rallied into 3rd. This horse figures to improve second out but is stepping up against tougher competition. He also will need a clean break.
Others to consider: 11 Malakai Moxie would be a big contender should he draw in off the AE list. He would ship in for Phillip D’Amato after a couple tries sprinting down South. 3 Insaniamania gets on turf today after fading in the stretch last time on tapeta. He could improve on the new surface with a nice stalking position. 4 Bona Fortuna debuted in an off the turf event. He figures to have a shot especially since Andy Mathis loves turf sprints. Mathis is also 18% with maiden second timers.
Race 10: 6 Furlongs Tapeta $12,500 Claiming 3 year olds & up (4-2-7)
Late double kicks off here with a big competitive group of 9 signed on.
4 Sayin Grace returns in exactly a week after clearing the n2L condition. Victor Trujillo has had his runners firing all meet and he appears to have a pace to chase today. Juan Hernandez has really gotten to know this horse well.
2 Drinkin and Dialin is a 6 year old making his second start off a 15 month break. He ran a decent third last time and figures to improve second start off the break. He should sit a stalking trip right off the speed and get first jump.
7 Sizzling Jamie is a class dropper. He was last seen for 20 and today is in for 12. He has faced much tougher competition in the past despite going winless in his last 10 tries.
Others to consider: 3 Diction runs back at this level and adds a half furlong. I think he’s tactical as sometimes he’ll be in a battle but also can rate. Kyle Frey will have to decide whether to send or rate. 9 Punaluu makes his second start off a layoff. He will be coming from well off the pace. The extra half furlong should help him make up ground and improve today.
Race 11: 1 Mile & 1/8 Turf $6,250 Claiming 3 year olds & up (7-2-1)
We conclude with a 9 furlong event on the lawn.
7 Lifeline comes in off a win last time out going 8.5 furlongs. He rallied from just off the pace and today will get another half furlong to run at. He figures to give Andy Mathis a good one two punch here. Had a nice work leading up to a similar pattern to his last win. Third place finisher in his last race came back to win.
2 Iz Invincible exits a common race to our top pick. He was making up mild ground in the stretch that day and an extra half furlong should move this runner forward. He will need to get by the favorite however.
1 Rockandahardplace drops slightly from 8 to 6.250. The winner was the third place finisher from our top pick’s last win. It’s a quick return for this runner who gets back on the turf. He should get a ground saving trip.
Others to watch: 5 Mo Bob returns off a start a week ago. He is the second of the two Andy Mathis runners and he could also be coming on late. Frank Alvarado gets on today. 4 Arch Anthem drops slightly in terms of claiming tag and returns to the surface where he got his last win. He could be coming on late.
Best Bets:
Race 5 American Camp 5/2
Race 11 Lifeline 2/1
Price Plays:
Race 1 Sweet Chayane 8/1
Race 8 Creative Romance 10/1
That’s it for the winter/spring writeups for me. Lots of chances to make money today. Reminder tomorrow’s closing day feature is the Grade 3 $250,000 San Francisco Mile part of an all turf $250,000 guarantee late pick 4 pool. 11 races with an early start of 12:15 once again. Taylor will have you covered with another day of good racing with many chances to make money. Northern California racing will ship to Pleasanton for 6 weeks before returning to Golden Gate here in late July. Thanks for reading and good luck on all wagers!