Golden Gate – 1/17/2020
Race 3 is leg 3 of the Stronach 5
Race 1 – 6F MC 20000
#5 Rebel at Heart (5/2) closed to be 2nd in the first 4 career starts. Followed that up with a front running effort off the board last out. 2nd in that race was #4 Breaking the Code (2/1) getting the services of Juan Hernandez today. #6 My Georgie Gal (9/5) comes in off a 2 year lay-off for trainer Andrew Lerner, last racing in January 2018. Will look elsewhere. Top pick will be #2 You Wanna Ear Rip (8/1) who broke slow in the debut and came flying late. Expect improvement 2nd time out, like at a price.
2-5-4
Race 2 – 1 Mile CLM 3200
#2 Acrobat (6/5) comes in for trainer Jonathan Wong (20%) and jockey Billy Antongeorgi III rides for the first time. Has been sent for the lead in all 3 starts since the change of scenery from Presque Isle, was caught in a contentious pace last out and weakened. Seems to like golden gate, dropping in class will only help. #1 Nervous Nellie (3/1) ran well two back setting quick fractions before weakening late. Expect to duel early from the inside post. #4 Fantastic Aragorn (7/2) made a late rally last out for 2nd. Might get the perfect set up from off the pace.
2-4-1
Race 3 – 1 Mile OC 40000
#4 Paige Anne (1/1) broke the maiden last out down south at Los Al winning in wire to wire fashion while setting a decent pace. #6 Mollie O’ McEvoy (8/1) is an undefeated 2/2 winning both career starts at Golden Gate. Away slow in both starts, could be better with a good break. Top pick will be #7 Reiwa (3/1) who just missed by a nose last out for Jonathan Wong. Came flying late to just miss, should improve 2nd off the layoff.
7-6-4
Race 4 – 6F CLM 12500
#5 Sweet Boy (8/5) is cutting back from 1 mile to 6F, has good early speed and could get away from this field. Beaten a nose last out following back to back wins. Juan Hernandez rode two starters last out (Tribal Impact & Thunder Boat) and ends up on #6 Thunder Boat (7/2) coming in off a maiden score. Has a good late punch if Sweet Boy gets tired late. #3 Tribal Impact (9/5) finished 2nd last out in an allowance race. Made a good late rally and the class drop could make the difference.
5-6-3
Race 5 – 1 Mile CLM 4000
#2 Colour Me Happy (8/5) comes in off a 15 month lay-off. 3 wins in 6 starts on the tapeta, big shot with leading rider Juan Hernandez (27%). Jonathan Wong sends out #4 Kittens Royal (7/5) coming in beaten just a length total in the last two starts. This one usually comes rolling late. Has gone off favored in the last 6, expect to happen again. #3 Cool Hunter (12/1) has good early pace and might sneak away with soft fractions in this field. Like to stick around at a price.
4-3-2
Race 6 – 6F CLM 6250
#5 Cash Money (2/1) had a good runner up finish last out coming off the layoff. Could improve and sit a good trip from off the pace. #2 Robs got game (3/1) always shows good early speed but was caught late the last two. Not sure if the extra half furlong will help. #1 Klay Nation (5/1) comes off a maiden win showing good early pace, expect to be sent for the front again from the inside post. #4 Captain Way (5/2) figures to sit off and could have some late run.
5-2-4-1
Race 7 – 1 Mile ALW 50000
#3 Pacific Strike (8/5) comes in for Ari Herbertson first off the claim (33%). Circled the field with an impressive win last out. Top pick will be #4 Sure Angel (7/5) and Juan Hernandez. Does not have much speed early and should be towards the back of the field. Made a mild bid last out. #5 Irish Affair (8/1) comes in off a nice win last race. This could be a crawl early and a sprint the last ½ mile.
4-3-5
Race 8 – 6F MC 25000
Top pick #1 Gem State (4/1) has finished second a beaten favorite all 3 tries with Hernandez. Expect this one to be forwardly placed on the cutback from a mile. Stepped up to MSW last out but dropping back today, could get away from these. #3 Jamason (9/2) comes in from Southern California. Has not shown a lot in 3 starts but is on the big class drop. #8 He’s a Hit (3/1) is dropping from maiden 50000, has some early pace and always take action at the betting windows. Was a beaten favorite last out at Los Al.
1-8-3