December 27th – Golden Gate
Day 2 of the meet, 9 races on the tapeta. 12:45 First Post. Race 3 is Leg 4 of the Stronach 5 (1:49 post time)
Race 1: (12:45) 5½Furlongs. MC 8000 Purse $10,500 Maidens, F & M 3 YO & up
6 horse maiden claiming event to start to the day. Andrew Lerner ships in #4 My S V R (1-1) from southern California on the class drop. Has good early foot and Antongeorgi should have this one near the lead. If you can throw out #6 Joss (5/2) last race when rank and never a factor, two back was sent early and just missed. This will be the 4th try at Golden Gate at 5.5F, Frank Alvarado back on. #3 Rueful’s Night Out (4/1) has shown some speed in both career starts, expect to be close up.
4-3-6
Race 2: (1:18) 5½Furlongs. MC 25000 Purse $14,000 Maidens, 2YO
Another 6 horse maiden claiming event, this with 3 first time starters. I like the most experienced in the field #3 Run Kerry (4/1). Has shown lots of early speed in the past two starts, I think can get away from this field of inexperienced starters. #4 Way He Goes (2/1) made a big late run in the debut, concerned about the cutback from 6F to 5.5. #6 Gregs City Zip (9/5) was passed late by Way He Goes but this distance may be right. Wong firster #5 Lost The Minister (3/1) could be dangerous with Krigger aboard.
3-6-5-4
Race 3: (1:49) 5½Furlongs. MC 8000 Purse $10,500 FOR Maidens, FILLIES 2YO
Wide open 10 horse field, favorite #3 Ladies Luv Money (3/1) has never run at Golden Gate. Has shown speed and weakened in both career starts at Del Mar, huge class drop today. #5 Eight O Five (7/2) chased the pace early in the debut but was no threat late. Martinez stays aboard and could have this one in good position. #4 Tiz The Standard (8/1) has been finishing well and consistently in the mix, most recently 4th as a beaten favorite at this level last out. #9 Understated Beauty (8/1) should have a good stalking trip from the outside. Shown ability to be in contention and could be best late.
9-5-4
Race 4: (2:16) 6 Furlongs. Alw 50000 Purse $19,000 2 YO
Wong has the ML favorite #1 Old School Charmer (1-1) who has plenty of early speed. Won the debut and has followed it up with back to back 2nd place finishes beaten less than a length, caught late in both. If able to clear will need to hold off #2 Foreign Protocol (3/1) who comes off a bullet work on Dec. 16th (1 of 55) for trainer Howey Quinn. Look for this one to be ready. Like #5 Hacienda Blvd (12/1) to sit back and possibly make a late run.
2-1-5
Race 5: (2:45) 5½Furlongs. MC 8000 Purse $10,500 Maidens, 3YO and up
#8 Tim’s Buddy has an outside post and good early speed. Should have a good trip and possibly cross and clear early. Will need to find the wire as has been caught down the stretch late 2 in a row and 3 out of 4. #4 Sought Bai (4/1) is 0/16 – 0-4-3 and seems to run well every other race and get in the money, this may be that race. #7 Molaf (3/1) always make a run at some point but hasn’t put the pieces together yet, one to consider. #6 Shiner’s Code (12/1) is worth a look at a price with some good late kick.
8-4-6-7
Race 6: (3:20) 1 Mile. OC 40000n1x Purse $31,000, 2YO
Steve Specht sends out the top two choices in this race. Frank Alvarado rode both last out and ops for #4 Sacred Rider (6/5) over #6 Blaisin’ Eamon (5/2). I will opt for the latter with Rico Gonzalez up. First time going two turns but has been in the money 4/5 with two wins and two 3rds. Favorite will be tough coming off a 2nd place finish in the Gold Rush following an impressive maiden victory on the turf. #2 Indian Peak (7/2) ran 4th in the Gold Rush, broke the maiden on the turf as well. Expect an improvement with leading rider Juan Hernandez. #1 Wine and Whisky (12/1) has shown the ability to pass runners late and might hit the board.
6-2-4-1
Race 7: (3:50) 5½Furlongs. MC 8000 Purse $10,500 Maidens, Fillies 2YO
#9 I C Fire (9/2) broke slow in the debut and made up a lot of ground late at long odds. Gets an extra half furlong, with a clean break I like the chances. Pena stays aboard. Peter Eurton sends #7 Bayonce (7/2) to the bay from Southern California. Big class relief and Hernandez up makes very dangerous. Sweet Ryan (6/1) has gotten a little better with every start. Trying to make the 4th time the charm. Should be a decent price and close to the pace in this big field. Morning line favorite #10 Baby Hang On (3/1) was disappointing last out after a decent debut. Drops from MSW, throw out last race puts this filly in contention but I will be going against.
9-7-3
Race 8: (4:20) 5½ Furlongs. Claiming 6250n2L Purse $11,000 for 3YO & up
This is a competitive field for 3 year olds and upward which have never won two races. I’m going with Smokin Encounter (4/1) the least experienced of the group, finished 5th in the debut and came back to win on Halloween showing good late kick. Gets the extra half furlong and services of Juan Hernandez (26%). Should be pace to run at from the rail, morning line favorite #1 Robs Got Game (5/2) was caught late last out and should have company up front with #3 Baby Frankie (7/2) that has also shown lots of early speed. #2 Poppy’s C Note (3/1) is 3 out of 4 in the money at Golden Gate and ran behind the favorite last out but expect Catalino Martinez to have this one in contention. #7 Captain Way (5/1) has a win and 2nd in four starts and might make a late run.
5-2-7-1
Race 9: (4:48) 1 Mile. Claiming 3200n2x Purse $10,000 3YO & up
Jonathon Wong (20%) sends out morning line favorite #6 Acrobat (9/5). Has been sent for the lead in both starts at Golden Gate since the change of scenery from Presque Isle. Seems to like the track and dropping again in class will only help, will be tough. Look for top pick #8 KOA Cat (5/2) to be coming late. Won last out with a big move at the quarter pole and Billy Antongeorgi III stays aboard. Like #3 Tanker (15/1) at a price, sprinter stretching out should attend the early pace with the favorite and might stick around late. #4 Carters Blue (9/2) a consistent runner with five 2nd place finishes and four 3rd place finishes to go with 1 win in 17 starts may be picking up the pieces late.
8-6-4-3