BLAINE WRIGHT’S ANOTHERTWISTAFATE DRAWS POST 12 IN PREAKNESS 

El Camino Real Derby winner Anothertwistafate drew post 12 of 13 in the 2019 $1,500,000 Grade 1 Preakness Stakes and will be ridden for the first time by world renowned rider Jose Ortiz. The Preakness goes as Race 13 on a 14-race program on Saturday at Pimlico Racecourse and has a scheduled post time of 6:48 p.m. Eastern time/3:48 p.m. Pacific. The Preakness is a one-mile and 3/16ths dirt race and the second leg of the Triple Crown series.

Anothertwistafate’s last trip to the winner’s circle came after the $100,000 El Camino Real Derby in February, a race which offered the winner a free berth into the 2019 Preakness. The free berth was an incentive presented for the first time by the Stronach Group, which runs and operates Golden Gate Fields and Pimlico as well as Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park and Laurel.

Anothertwistafate has worked twice on the Golden Gate Fields Tapeta surface since his most recent race to date: a second place finish in the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. Owendale, who beat Anothertwistafate in the Lexington, is also slated to run in the Preakness and drew post 5 for trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux.

“His workouts have been super since he’s come back from Keeneland,” said Anothertwistafate’s trainer, Blaine Wright. “He has trained with confidence every single day. He’s a heck of a horse.”

Wright indicated that Anothertwistafate shipped to Pimlico well and is looking forward to seeing his star equine tackle some of the best 3-year-olds in one of America’s most prestigious races.

“He’s a good shipper,” said Wright. “He traveled to Pimlico on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he ate up well and was playing in his stall. At this point, we’re [at Pimlico] and we’re going to enjoy the festivities. We hope our horse brings his ‘A’ game.”

 ELLEN JACKSON’S BULLETPROOF ONE WINS FIRST 2-YEAR-OLD RACE OF THE YEAR 

The first Northern California “baby” race of 2019 came in last Saturday’s third race, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. Four fillies and one colt competed in the four and a half furlong contest, which was won by the Ellen Jackson trained Bulletproof One.

Bulletproof One, sent off as the 3-5 favorite, went straight to the lead and set fractions of 22.90 and 46.37 seconds before drawing off in the final sixteenth of a mile, finishing 8 lengths ahead of second place finisher Small Surprise. Bulletproof One completed the four and a half furlongs in 52.60 seconds and earned a 58 Beyer speed figure for her effort.

“We always thought she was a special filly,” said Ellen Jackson. “She’s a mild-mannered filly. She was working really well before her race. We’re really excited about her future.”

Bulletproof One is by Grade I winner and California stallion Idiot Proof and out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsonofagun, who won 8 races as a racehorse. As a broodmare, Onefunsonofagun has produced four winners from four foals.

Victory Rose Thoroughbreds LLC (Ellen Jackson) and KMN Racing (Kevin and Kim Nish) currently own Bulletproof One. They also own her older full brother, 4-year-old colt In Our A, who broke his maiden in January against maiden special weight company.

ALCATRAZ STAKES ON SUNDAY ATTRACTS NINE  

A field of nine has been assembled for the 2019 edition of the $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds going one mile on the turf. The weather forecast call for rain over the weekend, meaning there is a strong possibility that the race could be moved to the main track. That said, most of the horses entered to run in the Alcatraz have run well on the Tapeta in the past, so a scratch due to a surface switch is unlikely.

The probable post time favorite is Kingly, coming off a hard fought win in the $100,000 California Derby on Gold Rush Weekend. The Bob Baffert trainee is royally bred: by top stallion Tapit out of multiple Grade 2 winning mare Justwhistledixie. Kingly is a brother to 2013 Breeders Cup champion New Year’s Day and multiple Grade 2 winner Mohayman. In fact, both aforementioned siblings are Kentucky stallions, with the former having sired this year’s unofficial Kentucky Derby winner, Maximum Security. Kingly’s full 2-year-old brother, named Enforceable, is training in the barn of Mark Casse and finished second in his career debut, a maiden special weight at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby week.

Visitant, entered in the Alcatraz for trainer John Martin, looks to turn the tables on Kingly after finishing second in the California Derby. The son of Ghostzapper scored two impressive wins before his stakes placing and has been well regarded by his connections since the beginning of his career. He figures to get good support in the wagering.

Southern California conditioner Richard Baltas sends One Bad Boy to Northern California in hopes of a stakes victory. The Twirling Candy ridgling off a dominant maiden at Santa Anita and makes his first start against winners in this spot. 2019 Kentucky Derby winning jockey Flavien Prat has the call.

Leading Golden Gate trainer Jonathan Wong saddles a pair of Alcatraz contenders in The Creep and Our Silver Oak. The Creep, owned by Alejandro Mercado, finished fifth in the California Derby last month while Our Silver Oak, owned by Robert Jones, Michael Nentwig and Ray Pagano, suffered a nose loss in the Silky Sullivan Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds on the turf. Both Wong entrants worked 5 furlongs on Sunday morning in preparation for this race.

Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer has an Alcatraz starter in Loud Mouth, who looks to win his third race in a row. In his two most recent afternoon appearances, the California-bred son of Boisterous scored victories against allowance company sprinting on the Golden Gate Tapeta. His lone career route try resulted in a 22-length loss behind top California-bred 3-year-old Galilean in February. Veteran rider Frank Alvarado has the call.

The allowance placed Rey Coliman, recent maiden winner Harmon and supplemental entrant Nizamdecarchy complete the field.

The Alcatraz goes as Race 8 on a 9-race program at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday. First post on Sunday is 1:15 PM, while post time for the Alcatraz is approximately 4:15 P.M.

ORTIZ NAMED TO RIDE ANOTHERTWISTAFATE IN PREAKNESS

The DRF’s Jay Privman reported Tuesday morning that El Camino Real Derby winner Anothertwistafate will be ridden by Jose Ortiz in the $1,500,000 Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 18.

Trained by Blaine Wright, Anothertwistafate has been ridden by two different riders in his past two races. Local jockey Juan Hernandez was aboard Anothertwistafate when the 3-year-old colt finished second to next-out 10^th place Kentucky Derby finisher Cutting Humor in the Sunland Derby on March 24. Javier Castellano navigated Anothertwistafate to a runner up finish in the Lexington Stakes last month.

Last Saturday, Anothertwistafate worked five furlongs in 1:01.80 over the Golden Gate Tapeta. According to Wright’s barn foreman, Pascual Garcia, Anothertwistafate will work once more over the weekend before shipping to Pimlico on Monday.

“[Anothertwistafate] is doing great,” said Garcia. “He has put on weight since his last start and is feeling good. He’ll be ready to go on race day.”

Anothertwistafate has earned Beyer speed figures of 94, 94 and 95 in his past three starts. His most impressive win, a 7-length romp in the El Camino Real Derby, was well-received by the general public. Three horses have won coming out the El Camino Real Derby: California Derby champion Kingly and locals The Creep and Angelo’s Pride. More Ice and Mayor Cobb, two additional equines who ran in the El Camino Real Derby, have placed in stakes races since then.

Among the Preakness possibles set to take on Anothertwistafate: Alwaysmining, Bodexpress, Bourbon War, Improbable, Laughing Fox, Owendale, Signalman, War Of Will and Win Win Win.

PAIR OF MAIDEN RACES, ALLOWANCE HIGHLIGHT FRIDAY 8 RACE PROGRAM

A solid 8-race program on Friday features 2 maiden special weight races and an allowance for fillies and mares on the turf.

Race 2 is a maiden special weight on grass for 3-year-olds and upward sprinting five furlongs. Among the major contenders are the John Sadler trained pair of Persuasive Cat and Sneem. Persuasive Cat faces easier company in Northern California after a number of off-the-board finishes in Southern California while Sneem makes his U.S. debut after being privately purchased by Sadler and owners Hronis Racing LLC. The son of Sir Prancelot was last seen running third at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland on August 10, 2017. Another colt that has not run since 2017, Way Gone, makes his first start for owner/trainer Librado Barocio. Interestingly enough, his last start resulted in a ninth place finish behind eventual Breeders Cup Dirt Mile and Pegasus World Cup Invitational winner City of Light. True Regards, from the Ed Moger Jr. barn, and the Jonathan Wong trained Mercy Rule are two local horses that figure to get support in the wagering.

Race 5, an allowance race for fillies and mares going one mile on the turf, is led by allowance winner and stakes placed filly Gettin Sideways. The daughter of Grazen has completed the exacta in her past two starts. Set to tackle Gettin Sideways is stakes winner The Spiral Jetter, Southern California shipper Party Dancer, and the Manny Badilla trained pair of Ziarah and Kynance. Ziarah comes off a gutsy win against high-level claiming company while Kynance most recently scored a dominant maiden victory on the Tapeta. Race 5 is also Leg C of the $1 Stronach 5 wager, which features a $100,000 guaranteed pool and an industry low 12% takeout.

Race 7, a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds going six furlongs on the Tapeta, drew a field of 8. Emerald Magic comes off a fast-finishing second place finish for trainer Bill McClean and may go off favored. First time starters I Declare War, a $57,000 sale purchase by Decleration Of War and a half sibling to Grade 2 placed filly Dixie City, and the Steve Specht trained Lucky B Mine adds appeal to a competitive event.

First post on Friday is 12:45 PM.

FINISH LINES: Owner Scott Herbertson indicated that Golden Gate Fields stakes winner Tribal Storm is bound for Royal Ascot. Trained by Scott’s son Ari, Tribal Storm is among 41 nominees for the June 19 King’s Stand Stakes, a 5 furlong turf sprint. Other notables on the list of nominees: Grade I talents Blue Point, Sergei Prokofiev and Soldier’s Call….Abel Cedillo is back in the saddle after taking a couple of weeks off to recuperate from injuries sustained in an April 20 spill. “He’s doing well and healed up quite quickly,” said Cedillo’s agent Tom “Bomber” Doutrich…2018 Golden Poppy Stakes winner Bella Luma races in the $100,000 Frans Valentine Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares on turf at Santa Anita this Sunday. She makes her first start for trainer Brian Koriner…$23,033 is carried over into Thursday’s Golden Pick Six jackpot pool…POST TIMES THIS WEEK: Thursday and Friday has a first post time of 12:45 PM PT while Saturday and Sunday will have a first post of 1:15 PM PT.

GENERAL CONSENSUS: GOLD RUSH WEEKEND A SUCCESS

Just days after completing its inaugural Gold Rush Weekend on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, Golden Gate Fields track officials deemed the event a successful beginning to an annual tradition that is expected to continue for years to come.

“Just an outstanding 48 hours,” reflected Golden Gate Fields General Manager and Vice President David Duggan. “Our fans, owners, horseplayers and horsemen have given us very positive feedback. Our numbers were very strong. Both days produced solid on-track crowds that were festive and exuberant. Our wagering product was fantastic and horseplayers were able to dive into competitive sequences with large pools. We are extremely pleased with how the inaugural Gold Rush Weekend went.”

Saturday, April 27 featured a 13-race program, with six of the 13 races going as stakes events for horses of varied divisions and of various ages. Saturday’s main event was the Grade III, $250,000 San Francisco Mile, won by the Doug O’Neill-trained Blitzkrieg. Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, the son of top class stallion War Front picked up his third consecutive win since being claimed by O’Neill for $25,000.

Sunday, April 28 saw a 12-race card with two marquee events for California-bred or sired equines at one mile on turf–the $100,000 Campanile Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and the $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings.  Southern California shipper Kitty Boom Boom won the Campanile, while Unusual Heatwave won a three-horse photo in the Silky Sullivan, defeating the late-running local Our Silver Oak and recent Santa Anita stakes winner Lieutenant Dan.

All-sources pari-mutuel handle on Saturday totaled $8.1 million, up over $4.5 million from last year’s $3.6 million on the same calendar day.  Sunday’s all-sources handle of $5.9 million was a $1.5 million increase over last year’s $4.3 million figure.

All-sources handle for the two-day Gold Rush Weekend was up 80 percent over a year ago, as  $14,077,741 was bet on Saturday and Sunday, an increase of nearly $6.1 million over the $7,979,824 wagered over the same two days in 2018. This robust handle was made possible by the fact a total of 212 horses competed in 25 races over the Gold Rush Weekend, making for average field size of 8.48 runners per race.

GABO’S MACONDO RETURNS IN FEATURED ALLOWANCE RACE ON SATURDAY

The last time Gabo’s Macondo raced, he defeated a solid group of stakes and allowance caliber racers in the Bulldog Handicap at Fresno on October 14. Six and a half months later, he makes his 2019 debut in Race 6 on Saturday: a second level allowance event for older colts and geldings going a mile and a sixteenth on turf. Gabo’s Macondo is in for a $62,500 tag.

Two weeks ago, Wong relayed to Golden Gate media that Gabo’s Macondo, was “training well” leading up to a possible start in the Grade 3 $250,000 San Francisco Mile on April 27. With a tough field eventually assembled for the 2019 ‘Mile, it appears that Wong has found an easier spot for his 6-year-old gelding to compete off the vacation.

Entered to race against Gabo’s Macondo is Respect the Hustle, a 4-year-old colt who won the Oak Tree Juvenile Stakes as a 2-year-old at Pleasanton. The Bill McLean trainee most recently ran second to Choo Choo in an allowance race. The aforementioned rival came back to run third in the San Francisco Mile.

Builder, from the Isidro Tamayo stable, has appeal at what should be a decent price. Since being claimed by Tamayo for $25,000, the grey-son of Gio Ponto has racked up a pair of wins: one at the starter allowance condition and the other against allowance company. He has been steadily climbing up the class ladder and takes another bump up here.

Stakes winner Engram, stakes placed More Power to Him and the “other” Wong entrant, Grey Gem, complete the field.

Please note that Golden Gate Fields has an early first post on Saturday of 11:40 AM. 10 races are set to take place. Fans can watch and wager on a number of different tracks, including Churchill Downs, throughout the Saturday afternoon card at Golden Gate Fields.

Fans are also encouraged to wear the best and or most festive hat they can find; there will be a hat contest with prizes in the winner’s circle during the races on Saturday.

NEW FIRST POST TIME BEGINNING SUNDAY  

Track officials announced Wednesday that there would be a new first post of 1:15 PM on select race days.

The following dates will have the post time change of 1:15 PM in effect: 5/5, 5/11, 5/12, 5/19, 5/25, 5/26, 6/1, 6/2 and 6/9.

Weekday and Memorial Day post time remains at 12:45 PM, while Preakness (5/18) and Belmont Day (6/8) is scheduled for an early first post of 11:45 AM.

FINISH LINES: Jockey Abel Cedillo, injured in an incident two weeks ago, is named on two horses this Saturday for leading trainer Jonathan Wong…Congratulations to marketing manager Ryan Hilton, who, along with his wife Mollie, welcomed a healthy baby boy, Harris David Hilton, into the world last week…Jockey Jorge Velez will be riding in the Bay Area for the foreseeable future. The 20-year-old apprentice has already picked up numerous mounts from a handful of trainers. Velez is represented by agent Nelson Arroyo, who also hustles the book of newly turned Santa Anita journeyman Heriberto Figueroa…Leg B of the $100,000 guaranteed Stronach 5 wager goes as Race 5 at Golden Gate this Friday…The Golden Pick Six jackpot pool was hit last Friday for over $383,000. Heading into Thursday’s card, there is a carryover of over $6,000. You could be the next lucky jackpot winner.

BERKELEY, Calif. (May 1, 2019)–Just days after completing its inaugural Gold Rush Weekend on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, Golden Gate Fields track officials deemed the event a successful beginning to an annual tradition that is expected to continue for years to come.

     “Just an outstanding 48 hours,” reflected Golden Gate Fields General Manager and Vice President David Duggan. “Our fans, owners, horseplayers and horsemen have given us very positive feedback. Our numbers were very strong. Both days produced solid on-track crowds that were festive and exuberant. Our wagering product was fantastic and horseplayers were able to dive into competitive sequences with large pools. We are extremely pleased with how the inaugural Gold Rush Weekend went.”

Saturday, April 27 featured a 13-race program, with six of the 13 races going as stakes events for horses of varied divisions and of various ages. Saturday’s main event was the Grade III, $250,000 San Francisco Mile and it was won by the Doug O’Neill-trained Blitzkrieg. Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, the son of top class stallion War Front picked up his third consecutive win since being claimed by O’Neill for $25,000.

Sunday, April 28 saw a 12-race card with two marquee events for California-bred or sired equines at one mile on turf–the $100,000 Campanile Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and the $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings.

The Campanile was won by Southern California shipper Kitty Boom Boom, while Unusual Heatwave won a three-horse photo in the Silky Sullivan, defeating the late-running local Our Silver Oak and recent Santa Anita stakes winner Lieutenant Dan.

All-sources pari-mutuel handle on Saturday totaled $8.1 million, up over $4.5 million from last year’s $3.6 million on the same calendar day.  Sunday’s all-sources handle of $5.9 million was a $1.5 million increase over last year’s $4.3 million figure.

All-sources handle for the two-day Gold Rush Weekend was up 80 percent over a year ago, as  $14,077,741 was bet on Saturday and Sunday, an increase of nearly $6.1 million over the $7,979,824 wagered over the same two days in 2018. This robust handle was made possible by the fact a total of 212 horses competed in 25 races over the Gold Rush Weekend, making for average field size of 8.48 runners per race.

“We are always looking to improve our product,” Duggan concluded. “We are very proud of the 2019 edition of Gold Rush Weekend, yes, but we are also eager to make Gold Rush Weekend an even bigger and better event next year. Golden Gate Fields and The Stronach Group are very excited about the future.”

PAIR OF $100,000 CAL-BRED STAKES, THE CAMPANILE & THE SILKY SULLIVAN, HEADLINE PROGRAM 

     BERKELEY, Calif. (April 28, 2019)–Golden Gate Fields’ inaugural Gold Rush Weekend got off to a tremendous start on Saturday, as all sources pari-mutuel handle totaled $8.1 million, one of the biggest handle marks in Golden Gate Fields history.  Wagering on Golden Gate races totaled $7.3 million, also one of the track’s all time biggest money-bet figures.

Yesterday’s exceptional handle was in large-part due to an infusion of equine and human talent from Southern California and the $7.3 million which was bet on Golden Gate races easily exceeded the $2.7 million which was bet a year ago on San Francisco Mile Day and was also higher than the $2.6 million bet on the corresponding date a year ago this month. Yesterday’s all important on-track handle of $609,478 was up nearly 50 percent over the $406,653 wagered a year ago.

“We are ecstatic with how things went on Saturday,” said Golden Gate Fields Vice President and General Manager, David Duggan. “This was a day to celebrate horse racing in California and at Golden Gate Fields. We are extremely appreciative of all the shippers who sent horses here for our Saturday races and the many horsemen also traveling here for the day. A special thanks goes out to all of the horseplayers, fans, horsemen, our equine athletes and the dedicated, hard-working staff here at Golden Gate.

“They were paramount in making this day as successful as it was. Our staff worked tirelessly to make this a successful day of racing and we are extremely lucky to have many loyal fans watching and wagering, not just in the U.S., but all over the world.”

The marquee race on Saturday’s program, the Grade III, $250,000 San Francisco Mile, which was won by Santa Anita-based Blitzkrieg, who is owned by R3 Racing, LLC, Calara Farms and Steve Rothblum.  Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Blitzkrieg is trained by Doug O’Neill.

The Mile handled $1,063,477 and The Stronach Group’s Tim Ritvo was on hand to present the trophy to the winning connections.

“Our goal was to make Gold Rush Weekend a staple on the Golden Gate Fields racing calendar and a day that fans would concentrate on,” said TSG Vice President of Racing, P.J. Campo. “It was a massive success and with that said, we are obviously extremely pleased with how the inaugural Gold Rush Weekend started on Saturday. The Stronach Group is very excited about Gold Rush Weekend moving forward and we will only look to improve our product.”

With a pair of $100,000 stakes for California-bred or sired horses, the Campanile and Silky Sullivan, headlining Sunday’s 12-race program, first post time is at 12:45 p.m. PT.

Berkeley, Calif. (April 26, 2019)–In a continuing effort to facilitate equine aftercare, Golden Gate Fields has announced that courtesy of AmTote International, it will be providing an option on all self-service betting terminals which will enable fans to make donations to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) each racing day.

Bettors cashing winning tickets at Golden Gate can now share their good fortune with retired Thoroughbreds by making a tax-deductible contribution to the TAA during the course of any transaction.

This technology, developed by AmTote, employs a pop-up interface for terminals that will ask bettors if they want to make a contribution.  If they choose to donate, the terminal will issue the bettor a receipt indicating both the amount of the donation as well as the TAA’s 501 (c) (3) identification number.  The remaining balance will then be issued in the form of a wagering voucher.

The TAA, which provides funding to locally based organizations such as the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), is national in scope and is focused on providing much needed assistance in transitioning those Thoroughbreds whose racing careers have ended, into careers after racing.

“The TAA is grateful for the support from Golden Gate Fields, AmTote International and America’s horseplayers,” said TAA President, Mike Meuser.  “Funds raised from this technology will continue to allow horseplayers to help support the TAA’s network of 70 accredited organizations in North America, including the current 10 accredited aftercare organizations in California.”

Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, rehome and retire Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. 

                Along with continued funding from its original partners, Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club and Keeneland Racing Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members.

                Since its inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $13.8 million to accredited aftercare organizations.  Currently 70 aftercare organizations supporting 160 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. 

                To learn more about the TAA, please visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

WRIGHT MULLS OPTIONS FOR ANOTHERTWISTAFATE

Trainer Blaine Wright observed his Golden Gate string of horses Wednesday morning, but with plenty on his mind. He currently has three horses in Kentucky, including 3-year-old star Anothertwistafate, and a large barn of horses at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, a track which is set to kick off their racing season on Saturday.

Wright comes off a busy week. The aforementioned Anothertwistafate ran in the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes on Saturday at Keeneland and, although earning 8 additional Kentucky Derby points, still sits 23^rd on the leaderboard. Anothertwistafate stalked the pace early, encountered traffic when boxed in on the rail at the far turn, but eventually found a clear path to race down the stretch. The son of Scat Daddy had to settle for second, though, finishing almost two lengths behind the Brad Cox trained Ownedale.

“[Anothertwistafate] came out of the race good,” said Wright. “He tried hard. He always gives it his all. I just wish he got a little bit of a better trip.”

Anothertwistafate is set to van to Churchill Downs soon and will train up to his next start in Kentucky. His next race, however, is yet to be determined.

“If there are three defections, then we make it into the Kentucky Derby,” said Wright. “We earned a free berth into the Preakness with the El Camino Real Derby win, though, so we definitely have our eyes on that race.”

So what happens if three horses are taken out of consideration for the Kentucky Derby, whether it be due to illness, an injury or any other unforeseen circumstance?

“We’ll see how [Anothertwistafate] is doing and go from there,” answered Wright. “The horse needs to take you to the race. If he is to run in any big race like the Kentucky Derby or even the Preakness, we need to make sure that he is ready to run his A+ race.”

FINISH LINES: Eight stakes races will be part of next week’s inaugural Gold Rush Weekend. Many locals are prepping their horses, along with a number of out-of-town-shippers…Jerry Hollendorfer is scheduled to send out stakes winners Choo Choo and Grecian Fire in the Grade 3 $250,000 San Francisco Mile on Gold Rush Weekend. The ‘Mile is the headliner of the weekend…Among horses Hollendorfer nominated for Gold Rush Weekend include Grade 3 winner Danuska’s My Girl to the Golden Poppy and El Camino Real Derby third place finisher More Ice to the California Derby…According to multiple sources, Grade I winner Bowie’s Hero and Grade 2 winner River Boyne are scheduled to race in the San Francisco Mile. Both colts are trained down South, the former conditioned by Phil D’Amato and the latter under the care of Jeff Mullins…Leading trainer Jonathan Wong plans to run stakes winner Gabo’s Macondo and stakes placed Mithqaal in the San Francisco Mile. He also has I Love Romance for the Camilla Urso Stakes, The Creep for the California Derby and Our Silver Oak for the Silky Sullivan Stakes…Bill Delia indicated that El Camino Real Derby fourth place finisher Angelo’s Pride is likely for the California Derby…Trainer Blaine Wright has the Camilla Urso Stakes tabbed next for seven time stakes winner Alliford Bay…Impressive maiden winner Queen Helene is possible for  the Campanile Stakes, according to trainer Jamey Thomas…Trainer Andy Mathis nominated Royal Descendant to the Camilla Urso Stakes and Early’s Kid to the Campanile Stakes. Both horses are listed as “possible”…Frank Lucarelli relayed that stakes winner Whatwasithinking is possible for the Lost in the Fog Stakes for sprinters…Grade 1 placed Ollie’s Candy is possible for the Golden Poppy Stakes, as is the Leonard Powell is likely to run recent Golden Gate allowance winner trained Melissa Jane, who recently won an allowance race at Golden Gate… Gulfstream Park analyst Jason Blewitt and XBTV’s Millie Ball and Jeff Siegel will be on site next weekend covering all Gold Rush Weekend races via the Golden Gate fields simulcast feed. There will also be a pre-race seminar in the paddock pub on Saturday and Sunday, beginning an hour before the first race…Good luck to jockeys Franklin Ceballos, Heribert “Eddie” Martinez and Kevin Orozco. All three journeymen riders shipped their tacks to Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington for the summer and have mounts on the Saturday Opening Day card…The Golden Pick Six Jackpot pool carryover has climbed to $265,121 heading into Friday’s card. The first leg of the wager is Race 3 on Friday and Race 5 on Saturday…Happy birthday to jockey agent Fernando “Shoes” Navarro, who celebrates his birthday over the weekend.

JOCKEYS DURAN, OCASIO SWITCH AGENTS

Jockeys Francisco Duran and Luis Ocasio have new agents and will begin business with their respective new clients this week.

Ocasio, who moved his tack from Pennsylvania to the Bay Area last fall, is now represented by Fernando “Shoes” Navarro. Navarro also hustles book for 2018 fall meet leading rider William Antongeorgi III. On Wednesday morning, Navarro expressed excitement about the new jockey/agent relationship.

“Luis [Ocasio] and I discussed the possibility of working together and we made it happen,” said Navarro. “I’m excited to work with him. One thing everybody knows about Luis is he has a great head on his shoulders. He is humble and does what trainers and owners ask him to do.”

“He’s a talented rider, for sure,” continued Navarro, when asked to discuss Ocasio’s ability in the saddle. “He is the type of rider that, if he gets the right opportunities, will do very, very well down the road. He is a smart rider and very strong down the lane. He can take a horse gate-to-wire or time a ride from off the pace. I’m excited to help him improve his business and hopefully see him emerge as a top rider.”

Brent Harmon, who currently represents Francisco Monroy, will now also work for veteran jockey Francisco Duran. Like Navarro, Harmon was equally as excited to represent his new rider.

“Francisco [Duran] has been a Bay Area rider for a while now. Everybody knows him,” said Harmon. “He tries hard on every horse. He rides hard to the wire. He’s good at developing young horses and getting run out of his mounts. He is a good guy, too, which makes it even better.”

DUO OF GOLDEN GATE ALLOWANCE WINNERS TO KEENELAND STAKES’ THIS WEEKEND

Iconic Keeneland Racecourse opens its gates for live racing this Thursday with an 8-race program. On Saturday, Keeneland carded 11 races, with 5 graded stakes highlighting the first Saturday of the meet. Interestingly, two winners of races at Golden Gate are entered to run in two separate stakes events on the Keeneland Saturday program: male sprinters Bay Muzik and Richiesinthehouse.

Bay Muzik, a 5-year-old gelding trained by Ari Herbertson, has not raced since an allowance victory in early January sprinting five furlongs on the Golden Gate grass. The son of City Zip has won 6 of 12 lifetime races and makes his graded stakes debut in the Grade 2 $200,000 Shakertown Stakes for older sprinters going five and a half furlongs on the Keeneland turf course.

“He’s a quick horse and we’ll see what he can do against this level of competition,” said Herbertson. “He’s been training just as well as he always has. There’s a good amount of speed signed on so we’ll see. I hope he’s in front turning for home.”

Richiesinthehouse, a 5-year-old gelding by Sidney’s Candy, is conditioned by Chicago based trainer Larry Rivelli. Richiesinthehouse raced at Golden Gate Fields over the winter and has a stellar 10 for 13 lifetime record. With that in mind, he has never raced on dirt nor faced the level of competition that he’ll find on Saturday in his respective stakes race, the Grade 3 $250,000 Commonwealth for older sprinters going seven furlongs on dirt.

“It’s an ambitious spot,” said Rivelli from his home base in Chicago. “He’s trained super on the dirt though. I think he should love the 7 furlongs and I don’t think the surface will be an issue. It’s just a matter of whether he’s good enough to defeat this level of horse. That’s a super tough group he’s up against on Saturday.”

Rivelli indicated that Richiesinthehouse, who showed brilliant speed in winning a trio of allowance races on the Golden Gate Tapeta since January, may show a new dimension at Keeneland this Saturday.

“He’s been on the lead in pretty much all of his races,” explained Rivelli. “I think he may show something new this time, though. He drew a great post, 12 of 14, so he’s outside and can put himself in a good spot. He doesn’t need to be on the lead. Maybe he’ll stalk the pace this time.”

“Honestly, I couldn’t find an excuse not to run him,” said Rivelli with a chuckle. “He’s doing so well right now. We’ve got a race for him in six weeks at Arlington going a one-turn mile and this is good spacing. At the very least, we’ll get a race into him between now and his 2019 Arlington debut and he’ll stay fit.”

Rivelli, who shipped close to 20 horses to Golden Gate Fields during the winter, has since moved his Northern California string back to Chicago where they will run in races throughout the Midwest to prepare for the 2019 Arlington Park race meet, which runs from May 3 to September 23 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Rivelli has won the training title at Arlington the past four years.

“It was a great experience at Golden Gate,” reflected Rivelli. “[Director of Racing and Racing Secretary] Patrick Mackey and [GM and Vice President] David Duggan were fantastic and really treated me and my team well. My help really enjoyed Golden Gate. We had a lot of success-won a bunch of races-and I really loved the track.”

FINISH LINES: Abel Cedillo and Jonathan Wong continue to lead in the jockey and trainer standings at the current Golden Gate meeting…Leg D of the Stronach 5 wager goes as Race 5 on Friday at Golden Gate Fields; a starter allowance for 3-year-old sprinters…This Saturday, 3 major tracks have carded 11-race programs and will run a number of stakes events on their respective cards. Santa Anita Park runs 7 stakes, highlighted by the $1,000,000 Grade I Santa Anita Derby for 3-year-olds and the $600,000 Grade I Santa Anita Handicap for older horses. Aqueduct Racecourse runs the $750,000 Grade 2 Wood Memorial for 3-year-olds, along with 4 other graded stakes on their Saturday card, while Keeneland, as mentioned earlier, runs an 11-program with 5 stakes, headlined by the Grade 2 $1,000,000 Toyota Blue Grass for 3-year-olds…This Saturday, a number Golden Gate horses will be competing in stakes races on the Santa Anita program. We begin with recent Golden Gate Fields allowance winner Sneaking Out, who makes her second start off a layoff in the second race, the $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes, for California-bred fillies sprinting 7 furlongs. Drayden Van Dyke has the mount for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and owner/breeder KMN Racing…In the $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for California-bred colts and geldings, trainer Steve Miyadi saddles runaway Golden Gate Fields allowance winner Lieutenant Dan. Geovanni Franco will ride the son of Grazen for owner/breeder Nick Alexander. Also entered in the race is the Victor Trujillo trained Moon House, who broke his maiden at GGF two starts ago before an off-the-board finish in his most recent start on March 8, and Midnight Special, multiple allowance winner for trainer Bob Hess Sr…Trainer Frank Lucarelli conditions 3-year-old allowance victor Killarney Lass, who races in the Grade 3 $150,000 Providencia Stakes on turf for 3-year-old fillies. Edwin Maldonado rides for the first time…More Ice, third place finisher in the El Camino Real Derby, is entered to compete in the $1,000,000 Grade I Santa Anita Derby. Geovanni Franco rides for Jerry Hollendorfer, who also sends out Instagrand in the SA Derby.

RETIRED RACEHORSES FLOURISH AT CARMA’S THOROUGHBRED CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

Rejuvenating the breed in equestrian sports, show draws nearly 100 competitors

        Berkeley, Calif., March 28, 2019 – Much like the wild flowers of Spring, retired racehorses were in a super bloom at the Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show (TCHS) on March 23 and 24 at Galway Downs in Temecula. The equestrian sporting event, hosted by CARMA ( California Retirement Management Account) as an awareness campaign to promote the adoption of off-track Thoroughbreds, drew 96 entries.

“We’ve been putting on these shows for seven years now, and we’re really starting to see a resurgence of the breed in the show ring,” said Lucinda Lovitt-Mandella, executive director of CARMA. “Multiple exhibitors and spectators asked us how they can adopt very recently retired racehorses. The interest in the Thoroughbred as a sport horse and companion is growing.”

To showcase the versatility of the breed the TCHS offers hunters, jumpers, cross country, dressage, barrel racing, pole bending, lead line and showmanship. The purpose of the TCHS has always been one of inclusiveness and variety, encouraging our exhibitors to bring their horse to an environment that is both welcoming and accommodating.

The connections to racing were strong at this show. For the third straight year, TCHS Youth Ambassador Amanda Gomez, the 15-year-old daughter of Hall of Fame jockey Garrett Gomez, won the 1.00M $1,500 Jumper Stakes aboard her 6-year-old gelding Amadeus (Jockey Club: Quick Louder) out of 10 riders. The $1,500 Hunter Derby, sponsored by the Stronach Group, Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields, was captured stylishly by Madison Dunham, daughter of race trainer Daniel Dunham, and her horse Cognoscente – an 8-year-old gelding previously trained by her father. Notably, Madison and Cognoscente also finished second in the Jumper Stakes.

The winner of the $1,000 Dressage Challenge was Katherine Rich-Elzig and her mount, Count On Me. The $1,500 Eventing Challenge held exclusively at the March show which combines scores from stadium jumping, dressage and cross country – was won by Chavez Ravine and his rider Lisa Gonzalez.

The next TCHS event will be on December 7-8, 2019 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA where year-end awards will be given to high point exhibitors who participated at the Galway Show and sponsored TCHS classes offered at the Camelot Show Series.

For more information about the TCHS and CARMA, go to ThoroughbredClassic.org or CARMA4horses.org. Results for all the divisions and disciplines from the weekend’s Galway Show can be found at Horseshowtime.com.

ABOUT CARMA

CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) is a charitable 501 (c)(3) organization formed to assist Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retirement organizations that facilitate the care and retraining of horses who raced in California and whose racing careers have ended. CARMA ensures the racehorses have retirement options by managing and disbursing funds to qualified retirement facilities caring for such horses.Ways in which this is accomplished include facilitating the transition of racehorses off the track through its Placement Program and showcasing the breed’s versatility as equestrian mounts at its Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show.

CARMA worked closely with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to adopt a rule change allowing for a 0.3% deduction from purses to help fund equine retirement.  This deduction which owners can “opt-out” of if they so choose, is used to support Thoroughbred retirement farms and other non-profit programs that care for and retrain retired racehorses.

CARMA manages a grant request process and since 2008 has awarded more than 3.2 million dollars to qualified retirement facilities caring for Thoroughbreds.

Donations are tax-deductible and may be sent to CARMA, 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA, 91007. (Tax ID #80-0146395).

ABOUT THOROUGHBRED CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

The Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show (TCHS), put on by CARMA, celebrates the athleticism, versatility, and spirit of retired racing Thoroughbreds. The TCHS Series was born from a desire to provide Off-Track Thoroughbreds and their owners a unique opportunity to gain show experience in a forum that is cost effective as well as supportive to the Thoroughbreds and their riders.

MISSION STATEMENT

The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) provides funding for the retirement of California-raced Thoroughbred horses and serves as an educational resource for the public and racing community.

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Bettors have a new handicapping tool in their programs at all Stronach Group tracks – the weight of horses.

The Stronach Group is the first Thoroughbred racetrack operator to include the weights of horses in the past performance lines of its handicapping programs. This includes Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita Park, Laurel Park and Golden Gate Fields.

“We’re always looking for innovative handicapping tools to help our bettors, and this is something bettors domestically and internationally began asking for last year,” said The Stronach Group’s COO Tim Ritvo.

The Stronach Group tracks began collecting the information last spring. The information has been shared with bettors on the track simulcasts since last summer.

“This is data-driven world, and we’re excited about adding this data to our programs as we continue our growth internationally,” Ritvo added. “Bettors and horsemen have used this information in the past to find out a horse’s optimum racing weight. We believe you can never provide enough information.”

Horses at all Stronach Group tracks have been weighed on a scale located in the paddock areas. That information has been shared on each tracks daily simulcast since last summer.

The Stronach Group is North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, home of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida, and is one of North America’s top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world’s largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; XpressBet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry. For more information contact david.joseph@gulfstreampark.com