Golden Gate Fields Saturday December 28, 2019
Warren Wilson
Twitter: @HorseAnalystWW
Race 1 – 12:45pm (PST) 3yr old &up C4000b 1 mile All-Weather (4-3-6)
Top Choice: (4) MOONLIGHT BLUE was only a neck behind Kitten’s Royal last time who will likely be the favorite. Tamayo/Hernandez combo has hit an amazing (17/48) 35.4% since 2017. Distance and surface suit this guy and he’s only 2 nose losses away from being 4 for 12 on the all-weather.
Others to Consider: (3) KITTEN’S ROYAL has choked 4 out of the last 5 as the favorite and he will likely be favored again here. Last out he forged to the lead at the eigth pole at 4-5 only to surrender late to two other foes. Should be right there at the end but no confidence his picture will be taken. (6) JASON X L was a no show last time when beaten 33 lengths, but three steady 5f drills ease my concerns. Should be up front today where he likes to be on the surface and distance he loves.
Race 2 – 1:15pm (PST) 3yr old &up MC25000 6 furlongs All-Weather (3-2)
Top Choice: (3) MERCY RULE is hard to go against here. Received a much needed freshening after campaigning from April to early November. Broke 2-3 lengths slow last out then made an eye catching wide move on the turn, rallied to strike the front in mid-stretch only to get run down late.
Others to Consider: (2) IMPERATOR last out was a little better than looked when considering the winner ran off by 8-1/2 lengths. Fifth place finisher out of that race (Norski) returned to win a MC20000 at LRC. Amescua/Alvarado combo (23/115) 20.0% since 2001. Look for an improved try.
Race 3 – 1:45pm (PST) 3yr old &up C5000n2x 1 mile All-Weather (6-4)
Top Choice: (6) TASTE’S LEGEND gets the nod for me in this tough, wide open claimer. Exits a tough 5000 condition race where he was three wide the first turn and four wide on the far turn. He seems to have the most closing kick in a race that sets up for that style. Should get good value as Antongeorgi opts for Elevate.
Others to Consider: (4) ELEVATE comes back to a more reasonable level today after trying 12500 claimers. The win two back was impressive after he was shuffled back into the first turn and rank, still managed to close by Thin Line to claim his second lifetime win. Thin Line has subsequently ran twice without winning which weakens the feeling for this guy. Antongeorgi sticks with this guy over the top pick.
Race 4 – 2:15pm (PST) 3yr old &up C6250 1-1/16 miles All-Weather (2-1)
Top Choice: (2) UNUSUALLY GREEN doesn’t win often, but could get a great setup if Giant Mark and Conquest Sabre Cat hook up in an early duel. Race two back had his final closing ¼ in sub 24 second. Looks loaded here.
Others to Consider: (1) GIANT MARK is back to dangerous form. He is one of the best front runners I’ve seen on the GG tapeta having recorded 10 of his 12 lifetime wins on the surface. If he intimidates Conquest Sabre Cat to a stalking role could have it his way again up front.
Race 5 – 2:45pm (PST) 2yr olds MC8000 5-1/2 furlongs All-Weather (6-7)
Top Choice: (6) THUNDER BOAT drops to the bottom after a strong closing effort at a mile. That was his all-weather debut and his best speed figure. Expect him to graduate today.
Others to Consider: (7) KNOWN been working lights out in the AM for his return after a three month layoff. Drops to the bottom level after being gelded and removes the blinkers. Should show some dramatic improvement after keeping pace with some very tough customers earlier this year.
Race 6 – 3:15pm (PST) 3yr old &up F&M C4000b 5-1/2 furlongs All-Weather (7-5)
Top Choice: (7) KATYA ANTIPOVA looks loaded for a good run from the outside post and with plenty of speed signed on. Herrara is Bellasis’ #1 call. Loves this all-weather course. Down in class with intent to win.
Others to Consider: (5) GAMBLER’S APPEAL the other Bellasis horse cuts back to sprinting after several close up finishes routing at this level. All ten exacta placings have come on this all-weather surface. This one should be closing late at boxcar odds.
Race 7 – 3:45pm (PST) 3yr old &up F&M C5000n2x 1 mile All-Weather (4-2)
Top Choice: (4) STORMY MIST blundered the start last time breaking about 6 lengths slow, but still managed to salvage third. Previous effort was a decent closing third behind Fruitfully where she hung a good speed figure. Expecting much better today with a clean break.
Others to Consider: (2) TIZ ALWAYS MUSIC the other Delia horse can lead or stalk which should put her in a good position early. She outworked top choice on Dec 15th by one full second. Definitely likes this distance and course. Live.
Race 8 – 4:15pm (PST) 2yr old F MdnSpWt (S) 6 furlongs All-Weather (4-7)
Top Choice: (4) SHAKE IT CALI cuts back to all-weather sprint after the turf route experiment. Love the damside family as Bleach Blonde is a half to More Power to Him and many other solid runners. Steady work pattern and price should be right. All systems go!
Others to Consider: (7) TIPPY TOP was only 1-1/4 lengths behind Red Dahlia last out (the likely favorite here). Third outing brings Alvarado aboard. Psarras (5/15) 33% with third time starters.
Race 9 – 4:45pm (PST) 3yr old &up F&M C3200n2x 5 furlongs All-Weather (8-7)
Top Choice: (8) KOWBOYS GAL draws outside today and has plenty of speed to be where she needs to be. Was pressured hard last out when she and another foe raced four lengths clear of the pack. Steiner is an excellent trainer with claimers since 2003 he’s (84/362) 23.2%. Couple of steady works to top off the tank. Strong chance here.
Others to Consider: (7) BLUEBERRY PRINCESS draws the attention of Hernandez and cuts down to 5 furlongs. Huge jockey change for the positive and also sports two bullet 3 furlong works in prep. Drops to lowest tag shows intent to win.