“PART 2” OF THE ENDLESS SUMMER MEET BEGINS FRIDAY

Live racing resumes on Friday with a 7-race card that kicks off “Part 2” of the Endless Summer Meet at Golden Gate Fields. First post each day at the upcoming meet is 1:45 PM unless otherwise noted.

For Friday’s “Opening Day” program, 56 horses were entered to compete. Saturday’s card attracted 58 entries and Sunday drew 65 entrants. 

The signature event of the meeting is the Rolling Green Stakes on September 6. The Rolling Green, for 3-year-olds and upward at one mile and a sixteenth on turf, is likely to include 2020 winner Camino Del Paraiso. Nominations for the race close at midnight tonight and will be published tomorrow afternoon.

Fans who wish to attend the races on-track can purchase tickets online at Goldengatefields.com or through walk-up admission “at the door.” The popular Golden Gate Fields Turf Club also re-opens at limited capacity on weekends starting this Saturday, August 28. Advance tickets (which can be purchased on Golden Gate’s official website) are required. No walk-up admission will be sold for the Turf Club.

JOCKEY AGENT NAVARRO STAYING BUSY AT TWO MAJOR CALIFORNIA TRACKS

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

It’s a motto that you could say jockey agent Fernando “Shoes” Navarro tries to live by. Every morning, the 34-year-old Bay Area native wakes up well before the sun rises and springs into action.

Anybody who works on a backstretch in horse racing holds the same mentality: when the alarm goes off, it’s time to work.

Navarro, who normally carries two jockeys at Golden Gate Fields, expanded his business to four riders at two separate racetracks this summer after Golden Gate Winter/Spring meet leading jockey Kyle Frey opted to ride in Southern California for the boutique Del Mar summer meet. Since the move, Navarro picked up a second Southern California rider in apprentice Emily Ellingwood. Navarro continues to hustle book at Golden Gate for Irving Orozco and Assael Espinoza. Official California racetrack rules state that jockey agents may represent two riders per racetrack.

“[Kyle and I] went down to Del Mar to ride for one week,” said Navarro. “That was the plan. We had a little bit of success early and some people caught on. It went from, ‘Hey we got some more calls next week, let’s stay one more week,’ to ‘Hey, we got even more calls this third week. Let’s just see where this takes us.’”

Heading into Friday, Frey is tied for sixth in the Del Mar standings with 11 first-place finishes from 98 mounts. Frey picked up his first Del Mar stakes win on July 23 with 3-year-old filly I’m So Anna in the $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes. The win also marked Navarro’s first Del Mar stakes victory as an agent.

Throughout any given workday, Navarro is in constant contact with trainers from both Northern and Southern California while also scouting out potential pick up mounts. Navarro makes plenty of phone calls throughout the day, checking with trainers for opportunities and communicating with his riders in what consists of a busy, full day’s work. Navarro, along with hustling mounts for races, is also responsible for scheduling “workers”, or horses to breeze every morning, for each of his riders.

Navarro is busiest on “entry day.” Entry days are scheduled days in which entries for a future race program are drawn and posted to the public (ex: entries for Saturday race cards are submitted, and post positions drawn, on Wednesday).

Entry day festivities go as follows…

“In the mornings, I’m on the phone with a lot of people before I even leave the house,” said Navarro. “I usually talk to the Golden Gate people first. I’ve been at Del Mar every week, so I’m on the phone when I’m talking to the Northern California trainers, and I make my rounds [to the barns] at Del Mar.

Usually, Southern California draws their cards first,” continued Navarro. “Once we draw post positions for Del Mar, then I’m 100% focused on the entries at Golden Gate. The schedule is good to where Del Mar doesn’t overlap with Golden Gate. I fly back home to Northern California every week and go to the backside at Golden Gate on Tuesdays.”

Navarro said working horses in the morning and making impactful relationships is crucial. This especially rings true when riders and agents enter a new circuit.

“You have to be seen out there,” said Navarro. “Me being new to So Cal…I have relationships with horsemen from when they ship horses to Golden Gate, but I have to build these relationships further. It helps that Kyle won some races early in the [Del Mar] meet and people took notice.

We’re building up business and we’ve ridden for good barns,” added Navarro. “Richard Baltas, Peter Miller, Mark Glatt, Michael McCarthy, Simon Callaghan…Phil D’Amato and John Sadler are giving us a few calls. If we work hard and do well in the afternoon, that leads to more business. Kyle is showing up every morning-I mean every morning-and working horses.”

So how does Navarro manage the rigorous workload?

“It took me a little while getting used to juggling the [extra] work,” said Navarro. “I got the hang of things and we’re good now. The key is staying organized. Being a jockey agent, some days are better than others. You’ve gotta give it your best, pay attention and let the chips fall where they may.”

FIRST-TIME STARTERS ADD INTRIGUE TO 2-YEAR-OLD ALLOWANCE RACE FOR FILLIES ON SUNDAY

On Sunday, a field of five square off in the feature race at Golden Gate: a first level allowance for 2-year-old fillies. Three participants-Code Ribbon, Light Up and Miss Union-have all broken their maidens. The two runners who fill the field are complete unknowns.

How is that, you may ask?

The answer is simple. Neither have run in a race before.

The Arcadian Way, a $60,000 sale purchase from the Blaine Wright barn, draws the rail and makes her career debut against proven winners. She is a half-sibling to 4-time stakes winner Madone, who beat Del Mar Oaks winner Going Global in the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes in July. Madone sports a 5 for 8 lifetime record, with career earnings of $337,800. Four other siblings to The Arcadian Way won sprinting and their dam, a Cherokee Run mare named Indian Love Call, was most effective going a route of ground. The Arcadian Way is by Australian-bred Astern, a Medaglia D’Oro stallion who raced on turf in Australia and won four stakes, including one Group 1 race in 2016.

Delia Mo, a filly by Outwork, also takes on winners as a first-time starter. A $20,000 sale purchase, Delia Mo is another that has shown promising works heading into Sunday’s second race. Her dam, the Red Ransom mare Redmeansgo, was a router on turf and dirt and stakes placed once as a 5-year-old. She earned just over $113,000 in her 14-race career. Delia Mo is a half sibling to six other winners from seven foals produced by Redmeansgo, including Grade 3 placed mare Pappascat.

The known commodities are simple to analyze. Code Ribbon makes her first career start on Tapeta after a two-and-a-half length win against maiden special weight foes over dirt at Pleasanton on July 17. The second-place finisher in the aforementioned race, Fire Escape, came right back to win her next start. Light Up is another who won her first career start at Pleasanton, defeating a different field of maiden special weight runners. Miss Union, a three and ¾ length winner of a maiden claimer at Golden Gate, earned the best Beyer speed figure out of the threesome of winners and enters this run with two workouts since the maiden victory.

Post time for Race 2 on Sunday is approximately 2:15 PM PT. 9-races are on the docket. Along with Race 2, the co-features on the day include a first level allowance race that picked up 11 entries (Race 8), and a race of similar condition for fillies and mares on turf (Race 7).

DEL MAR WATCH LIST

Below are a list of Golden Gate horses racing at Del Mar this week:

Thursday

Race 4: #8 Hydro Frost (Jockey Edwin Maldonado…Trainer Quinn Howey)

Race 7: #3 Pappy Boyington (Juan Hernandez…Steve Miyadi)

Race 8: #1 Emma’s Dance (Kyle Frey…Ed Moger Jr.)

Friday

Race 2: #3 Illapawnie (Jonathan Wong…Jessica Pyfer)

Race 2: #7 American Bourbon (Kyle Frey…Jonathan Wong)

Saturday

Race 2: #2 Father O’Flaherty (Jonathan Wong…Kyle Frey)

Race 3: #6 Minehunter (Andy Mathis…Diego Herrera)

Race 11: #10 U.S. Danger (Jonathan Wong…Kyle Frey)

FINISH LINES: Happy birthday to XBTV’s Zoe Cadman, who celebrates her birthday today. Earlier this year, Cadman was a guest analyst on the Golden Gate simulcast feed for El Camino Real Derby Day and Gold Rush Weekend…Good luck to Ivan Becerra, Bruce Dillenbeck, Terri Eaton, Gary Greiner, Quinn Howey, Sergio Ledezma, Melanie McDonald, Jerry Puertas, Isidro Tamayo and Jamie Thomas, all who campaign horses in races at Ferndale this week. A large majority of these horses are Golden Gate shippers…Trainer Ed Moger Jr. saddles Iowa Derby winner Stilletto Boy in the $100,000 Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar on Sunday. Stilletto Boy, purchased by Ed’s brother Steve Moger for $420,000 after the Iowa Derby triumph, ran fifth on turf in the La Jolla Handicap in his first start for the Moger stable…Albany Stakes winner Give Me the Lute ran second in last week’s $100,000 Green Flash Handicap for turf sprinters at Del Mar. The Andy Mathis trained gelding finished as the runner up behind Lieutenant Dan, who coincidentally won an allowance race at Golden Gate in 2019 and ran third in the Silky Sullivan Stakes that same year. Lieutenant Dan is trained by Steve Miyadi…After the 2-week period Wine Country Racing Meet, Golden Gate now returns to our traditional wagers (ex: 50-Cent Early Pick 5 with a low 14% takeout, 20-Cent Golden Pick Six jackpot wager, etc.).

JUNGLE CRY IN SEARCH OF FIRST STAKES TROPHY IN ROBERT DUPRET DERBY

3-year-old gelding Jungle Cry won a first level allowance race on the Golden Gate Fields lawn on June 13, completing the 8 furlongs in 1:36.25 seconds and picking up an 80 Beyer speed figure. After a better than looked run against salty stakes company at Del Mar last month, the son of Animal Kingdom returns to the Northern California turf course where he earned his most recent victory.

Prepared by veteran horseman Steve Specht, Jungle Cry is a major player in the feature race on Saturday afternoon, the $50,000 Robert Dupret Derby for 3-year-olds on grass. The mile and one-sixteenth route goes as Race 10 on a 12-race program.

“He’s doing great,” said Specht. “Since his last race, he’s worked a couple five-eighths, and both times he worked really well.”

In Jungle Cry’s most recent afternoon appearance on July 16 at Del Mar, a crowd of just over 16,000 were treated to an exciting stretch run on the Opening Day marquee event, the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes. Jungle Cry, in contention with a furlong to go, only lost by 2 lengths after an undesirable trip. The Robert Dupret Derby field is a significantly easier bunch than what Jungle Cry faced in the Oceanside.

“I thought he ran well at Del Mar considering he didn’t get the greatest trip,” said Specht. “He was wide on both turns and had to steady a little bit in the stretch, and still only lost by a couple lengths. With a better trip, he probably would’ve been right there.”

In the Robert Dupret, Specht noted Jungle Cry can put himself in a good spot depending on how the race unfolds.

“There’s not a special way for him to go,” said Specht. “I think he’s going to be pretty close to the pace, but if the pace is too fast, he can sit off.”

Jungle Cry has been a steady racer in 2021. After a pair of losses as a maiden back east, he was privately purchased by owner Thomas Bachman (Fairview LLC) and sent to Specht for a West Coast campaign. Specht liked Jungle Cry from the minute he stepped in the shedrow.

Making his first start for Team Specht on February 21, Jungle Cry broke his maiden in a Tapeta sprint. That day, he ran against other 3-year-olds. In his next two races (both at one turn), he hit the board against allowance company, with one of those efforts coming against older rivals. Jungle Cry’s first start routing, and debut on grass, resulted in a third-place finish behind 3-time stakes winner None Above the Law in the May 23 Alcatraz Stakes. He has remained at two turns on turf ever since.

“Tom Bachman bought this horse with the hopes he could win a stake out here at some point,” said Specht. “He owns [Jungle Cry’s] dam [the Unbridled’s Song mare Devine Aida] and winning a stake [with Jungle Cry] would help her value. We thought going long on the turf would be something he’d enjoy.”

“Jungle Cry is a cool dude,” said Specht. “At the barn, he’s a kind horse who enjoys hanging out. He’s not the biggest horse out there. Other horses sort of tower over him. But he goes to the track and always goes about his business. You want a barn full of horses like him.”

Race 10: $50,000 Robert Dupret Derby (3-year-olds at one mile and a sixteenth on turf)

#1 Misty Cat (Jockey Silvio Amador…trainer Dan Franko)

#2 Shore Break (Evin Roman…Neil Drysdale)

#3 Code Duello (Assael Espinoza…Craig Dollase)

#4 Stalking Shadow (Pedro Terrero…Jonathan Wong)

#5 Joymaker (Kevin Orozco…Quinn Howey)

#6 Swift As I Am (Armando Ayuso…Jonathan Wong)

#7 Jungle Cry (Catalino Martinez…Steve Specht)

GOLDEN GATE FINISHES WINE COUNTRY RACING MEET WITH MANY SLIPS FILLING THE ENTRY BOX

With three more live race days at the Wine Country Racing meet at Golden Gate Fields, horsemen and horsewomen are eager to run their horses before a break next week. 34 races comprise three live programs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this week, with first post each day at 1:45 PM PT. Fans who wish to attend the races on-track can purchase tickets online at goldengatefields.com or with walk-up admission at the track.

10 races kick off the festivities on Friday afternoon. The first two races on the card are for Arabian-bred horses. The opener, the Wine Country Racing Association purse, features a quintette of horses. The second race, the Wathba Stallion Cup, drew a field of 7.

Friday’s thoroughbred action starts in Race 3, with a pair of allowance races tabbed as the co-features on the program. Race 5, a sprint for 3-year-old fillies, drew the Steve Miyadi trained Hot Rageous and Do You Hear That, trained by Quinn Howey. Both runners are expected to receive the most support in the wagering. Hot Rageous has been very close to winning a handful of allowance races while showing an affinity for the main track Tapeta. Do You Hear That, more experienced with more wins on her resume, has already won a trio of allowance races throughout her career. 3-year-old route fillies get their chance to shine in Race 9, with the steadily improving Tiz An Edventure, the ultra-consistent La Vikina, and Irish-bred Absolute Scenes listed as the top three morning line choices in an eight-horse field.

12 races made the overnight for Saturday’s live program. The headliner, the Robert Dupret Derby on turf, is a stake for 3-year-olds at one mile and a sixteenth. Trainer Jonathan Wong saddles a pair of contenders in California Derby winner Stalking Shadow and Swift As I am, looking to win his fourth race in a row. Hall of Famer Neil Drysdale ship filly Shore Break north to face boys while multiple allowance winner Joymaker and allowance placed Misty Cat also enter to run against male counterparts. Southern California Craig Dollase, not shy to send horses north for stakes races, is represented by first-off-the-claim acquisition Code Duello. You can find more information on the likely favorite, Jungle Cry, in the first article. Young “stars of the future” are also highlighted on this program: a California-bred maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies drew a full field of 12, and another 2-year-old race earlier in the card has 11 contenders.

We end our Wine Country Racing meet with a dozen more races on Sunday. Six of the 12 Sunday events are on turf, including the co-featured seventh race. For 3-year-old allowance sprinters, the 5-furlong grass affair includes the Nick Alexander hard-knocking homebred Pappy Boyington, the speedy Handr’sdream, multiple allowance winner Exhaulting and 2-time winner Cool Mountain Lad. A first level allowance for older sprinters on Tapeta goes as Race 10 and holds “co-featured race” status. The top two contenders are admirable racers. In Our A, a picture of consistency, has finished first or second in seven lifetime starts. California-bred War Games stopped the clock in good time two weeks ago at the first level allowance condition and wheels back quickly for another win at this level. A 12-horse field of 2-year-old maiden special weight colts and geldings starts off the Late Pick 5 in Race 8, and a super competitive starter allowance in Race 11 is part of late multi-race wagers that are projected to pay very well.

At the conclusion of this week’s racing action, Golden Gate Fields takes one week off before returning on Friday, August 27 for “Part 2” of the Endless summer meet. The Endless summer meet goes three days a week-Friday through Sunday-and ends on Sunday, October 2.

TICKETS STILL AVAILIBLE FOR SATURDAY’S EQUINE AND WINE FESTIVAL

Tickets are still available to attend this Saturday’s Equine and Wine Festival at the Players Patio and Trackside Court on the Clubhouse level. The Equine and Wine Festival, from 12 PM to 6 PM, is a VIP event presented by Jackson Family Wine.

Tickets for the Equine and Wine Festival are $75 dollars per person, with private tables for groups of 2,4,6 and 8 guests offered. With a ticket, VIP attendees receive Wine Tasting presented by Jackson Family Wines, a limited-edition Golden Gate Fields wine glass, Tapas for all tables, a VIP Swag bag giveaway, and a “meet and great” with Golden Gate Fields jockeys. Admission, parking, and a race program also come with the purchase of an Equine and Wine ticket.

Wines featured for guests include Carmel Road Chardonnay, Kendall Jackson Chardonnay and Cabernet, La Crema Sauvignon Blanc, Cambria Pinot Noir and Willakenzie Pinot Noir. For more information, visit Goldengateifields.com or e-mail questions@goldengatefields.com. To purchase a ticket, visit the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vip-equine-wine-presented-by-jackson-family-wines-814-tickets-163217916181

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS CLAIMS REPORT

Below is a list of claims made at Golden Gate last week:

Friday

Race 1: Arouse N Go (New trainer Jonathan Wong…new owner MJVET Stables)

Race 1: Big Enough (Quinn Howey…Boardshorts Stables LLC and Howey)

Race 3: Maggie’s Magic (Isidro Tamayo…John Tipton and Tamayo)

Race 6: Lookin for Gold (Pablo De Jesus…Garry McNeill and Felibert Barnett)

Saturday

Race 2: June Gloom (Quinn Howey…Leon Scott)

Race 2: Second Bold (Owner/Trainer Ivan Becerra)

Race 5: Midnight Special (Mike Lenzini…Gary Marrone)

Sunday

Race 1: Gray Gem (Quinn Howey…Boardshorts Stables LLC and Howey)

Race 1: Persistence (Sammy Calvario…Johnny Taboada)

Race 2: Prince de Prince (Steve Sherman…Stewball Stable, Lyon, Richter, and Sherman)

Race 4: Ecologist (Jonathan Wong…Johnny Taboada)

Race 4: Hot Sean (Jesus Ramos…Candelario Barragan)

Race 4: Passionate Reward (Monty Meier…Michael Bean)

Race 5: Bowlmageddon (Reid France…France and Lagattuta)

Race 5: Clubhouse Saint (Quinn Howey…Boardshorts Stables LLC and Howey)

Race 9: Lauren Squared (D. Wayne Baker…Richard Barton)

Race 9: Moon Rise (Isidro Tamayo…John Tipton)

DEL MAR WATCH LIST

Below is a list of Golden Gate horses and human connections competing at Del Mar this week:

Thursday

Race 5: Boyson (Trainer Jonathan Wong…jockey Juan Hernandez)

Race 5: Ian Glass (Andy Mathis…Geovanni Franco)

Race 6: Square Peggy (Quinn Howey…Assael Espinoza)

Race 7: Ashley’s Valentine (Andy Mathis…Geovanni Franco)

Friday

Race 6: Eustace (Jonathan Wong…Jose Valdivia Jr.)

Race 6: Hit the Seam (Jonathan Wong…Kyle Frey)

Race 7: Poso Creek (Dan Franko…Wayne Barnett)

Saturday

Race 1: #2 Mr. Pickles (Jonathan Wong…Juan Hernandez)

Race 1: Bourbonwithatwist (Ed Moger Jr…Drayden Van Dyke)

Race 4: Lounge Act (Quinn Howey…Kyle Frey)

Race 7: Naughty Niko (Debbie Winnick…Geovanni Franco)

Sunday

Race 1: Busy Paynter (Andy Mathis…Kyle Frey)

Race 1: On Deck (Bill McLean…Ricky Gonzalez)

Race 3: Never For Money (Andy Mathis…Kyle Frey)

Race 6: Angel’s Advocate (Andy Mathis…Tyler Baze)

Race 6: Bold Mistress (Ed Moger Jr…Geovanni Franco)

Race 7: Nardini (Andy Mathis…Kyle Frey)

FINISH LINES: Trainers Terri Eaton and Abel Borg condition 11 of the 12 Arabian’s set to compete in the first two races on Friday…Jockey Kyle Frey and trainer Andy Mathis team up with Nardini in Sunday’s $150,000 Solana Beach Handicap at Del Mar for California-bred fillies and mares…Happy birthday to trainers D. Wayne Baker, Andy Mathis, Marcia Stortz, assistant trainer Francisco Rodriguez and GGF Assistant General Manager William Rizzuto, all who celebrate birthdays in the next couple weeks…MANDATORY PAYOUTS this Sunday, Closing Day of the Wine Country Racing meet at Golden Gate.

RETURN TO TURF COULD BE KEY FOR CLOCKSTRIKESTWELVE IN LUTHER BURBANK STAKES

Admist a 5-race win streak late last year, 5-year-old mare Clockstrikestwelve had terrific form on turf-a surface she thrived over since breaking her maiden at Gulfstream Park in 2019. But after a pair of sharp Southern California dirt wins in early 2021, trainer Jonathan Wong and owner Michael Rosenmayer opted to keep the daughter of New Year’s Day on the main track.

“She had run through her conditions and the owner wanted to get some black type for her,” said Wong.

After a pair of off-the-board efforts in the Grade I Beholder Mile and Grade 2 Santa Margarita in Southern California, Clockstrikestwelve picked up her first in-the-money stakes placing with a second-place finish in the She’s a Tiger Stakes at Pleasanton. Clockstrikestwelve was then entered in last week’s Grade I Clement Hirsch, but Wong scratched in favor of this Saturday’s feature race at Golden Gate, the Luther Burbank Stakes for fillies and mares at one mile and a sixteenth. With the entry, Clockstrikestwelve is also reacquainted with a familiar friend: the turf.

“If the field was small [in the Clement Hirsch] we might’ve taken a shot,” said Wong. “But the race came up super tough. It’s possible she may like turf the most, but she has run well on all surfaces [dirt, synthetic and turf]. She is pretty versatile.”

Jockey Evin Roman, who got to know Clockstrikestwelve in the She’s a Tiger, retains the mount on Saturday. Clockstrikestwelve breaks from post 6 in a field of 7.

“I’m hoping she can settle, sit off the speed and make a strong run in the end,” said Wong.

Wong also saddles Dynasty of Her Own, coming off a loss at Del Mar against stakes company.

“This is an easier spot than the Del Mar race,” said Wong. “She won the California Oaks going two turns as a 3-year-old, so routing isn’t a problem.”

Two Southern California shippers add to the intrigue of the Luther Burank. Avenue de France makes the trip north for Leonard Powell after a third-place finish behind Grade 3 winner and Grade I placed filly Going to Vegas at Del Mar last month. Star of Africa exits allowance company and will also compete for trainer Paddy Gallagher.

The Luther Burbank goes as Race 7 on a 9-race card this Saturday. First post each live racing day this week-Friday, Saturday and Sunday-is 1:45 PM PT.

Race 7 on Saturday: $50,000 Luther Burbank Stakes (fillies & mares 3 YO and up at 1 & 1/16^th miles on turf)

#1 Convince (jockey Pedro Terrero…trainer Bruce Dillenback)

#2 Dynasty of Her Own (Irving Orozco…Jonathan Wong)

#3 Star of Africa (William Antongeorgi III…Paddy Gallagher)

#4 Misty Cat (Silvio Amador…Dan Franko)

#5 Dutch Painting (Frank Alvarado…Manny Badilla)

#6 Clockstrikestwelve (Evin Roman…Jonathan Wong)

#7 Avenue de France (Assael Espinoza…Leonard Powell)

MCCANNA OPTIMISTIC THINGS WILL WORK OUT FOR CREATIVE ROMANCE

In February, trainer Tim McCanna and owner Alan Mindell claimed 5-year-old mare Creative Romance for $12,500. To their delight, they made their money back right away in her first start for the barn. Sent off at odds 4-1 on March 27, the daughter of Creative Cause stalked the pace before powering away for a runaway win against first level allowance foes.

“She’s a nice, hard knocking mare that has some decent pedigree,” said McCanna. “That’s what we saw when we claimed her. So far things have worked out well.”

Although Creative Romance has lost four straight races since the March victory, she managed to hit the board in three of those runs-all against allowance company. Most recently, Creative Romance placed second to stakes caliber filly Nardini in a dirt race at Pleasanton.

“She ran pretty well at Pleasanton the other day, but I think she really likes the synthetic [at Golden Gate],” said McCanna.

Friday, Creative Romance draws the rail in Race 4, a five-horse allowance affair for filly and mare routers. Creative Romance is the 2-1 morning line favorite. McCanna is not privy to the fact that troubled trips are still a possibility in a small field and, like any trainer, is hoping for a clean trip come race day.

“Sometimes, horses can find trouble in small fields,” said McCanna. “I don’t think she wants to be in front [early in the race]. Hopefully, she can save some ground and find some room to run late.”

TRIP TO SPAIN LOOKS TO MAKE THE TRIP TO THE DEL MAR WINNERS CIRCLE IN SUNDAY’S GRADUATION STAKES

On July 25, 2-year-old colt Trip to Spain caught the eye of race watchers with an impressive gate-to-wire win in his career debut at Golden Gate Fields. He earned a 66 Beyer speed figure for the maiden special weight score. Two weeks later, trainer Jamey Thomas has decided to wheel back his precocious talent in the co-feature at Del Mar on Sunday, the $100,000 Graduation Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds.

“Usually I don’t run my two-year-olds back this quick,” said Thomas. “Originally, I didn’t have the intention of running him in the race. We were going to wait for the I’m Smokin Stakes [at Del Mar next month.]”

Then Thomas received a call from the Del Mar racing office.

“They told me the race only had 4 or 5 others in it,” said Thomas. “I noticed [stakes winner] Big City Lights was entered in the Best Pal Stakes [against open company] on Saturday. Trip to Spain…he came out of his maiden win in terrific shape. He ate up all his food the night of the race and he’s still eating well. He’s been training great. He has great energy. So, we’re gonna give it a go. I think he fits.”

Thomas is not concerned with the switch from Golden Gate’s synthetic to the Del Mar dirt main track. In fact, Trip to Spain has already worked out over a dirt surface in the past.  

“He was training just OK [at Golden Gate] in the spring,” said Thomas. “Then I brought him to Pleasanton to train on the dirt there. When he got to Pleasanton, the lightbulb turned on. He was like, ‘I know what I’m supposed to do now.’ He started working really good. When he got back to Golden Gate [and worked a week before his debut race], one of the clockers said to me, ‘Wow. What happened to him?’ He could see how much he improved.”

Thomas indicated that, although Trip to Spain was in front at every call in his maiden win, securing the lead in the early part of Sunday’s race is not a necessity.

“We’ve worked him behind horses and he doesn’t mind it at all,” said Thomas. “He’ll do whatever you ask him to do. Hopefully he breaks well [on Sunday] and we’ll go from there.”

Jockey Santos Rivera was aboard for Trip to Spain’s first career race. This time, Trip to Spain will have a new rider in Kyle Frey, who coincidentally worked Trip to Spain a few times before his career debut. Frey was riding at Del Mar the day Trip to Spain debuted, and Rivera inherited the mount as a result.

Trip to Spain, a son of Stay Thirsty, is out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Doll. His breeder, Myles McMahon, owns Trip to Spain.

Another Northern California shipper entered in the Graduation, Northvale Road, broke his maiden over Pleasanton’s dirt surface and makes his career debut against winners for trainer Ed Moger Jr. A son of Grazen, Northvale Road drew post 5 of 6. Trip to Spain breaks from post position 2.

The Graduation Stakes goes as Race 6 at Del Mar on Sunday.

DEL MAR WATCH LIST

Below is a list of Golden Gate horses and human connections running at Del Mar this week. Keep an eye out for them…

THURSDAY

Race 1: #7 Smiling Ann (Trainer Bill McLean…Jockey Kyle Frey)

Race 2: #1 Tom’s Surprise (Jonathan Wong…Jose Valdivia Jr.)

Race 2: #4 Respect the Hustle (Bill McLean…Abel Cedillo)

Race 2: #5 Mahi Mahi (Isidro Tamayo…Kyle Frey)

Race 4: #2 T Bones Trick (Jonathan Wong…Juan Hernandez)

Race 4: #3 Satanta (Reid France…Evin Roman)

Race 4: #7 Sayin Grace (Ed Moger Jr…Tiago Pereira)

Race 6: #5 Nina En Fuego (Isidro Tamayo…Kyle Frey)

Race 7: #3 Lion’s Lair (Ed Moger Jr…Tiago Pereira)

Race 7: #6 Irish Wahine (Ed Moger Jr…Abel Cedillo)

FRIDAY

Race 1: #5 Here’s My Point (Jonathan Wong…Evin Roman)

Race 2: #3 Truly Fabulous (Jonathan Wong…Juan Hernandez)

Race 2: #4 Ten the Smart Way (Andy Mathis…Ricky Gonzalez)

Race 4: #14 On Deck (Bill McLean…Ricky Gonzalez)

Race 5: #3 Time to Smile (Ed Moger Jr…Jessica Pyfer)
Race 5: #4 Dizzy Lizzy (Ed Moger Jr…Tiago Pereira)

Race 8: #7 Zahra (O.J. Jauregui…Kyle Frey)

SATURDAY

Race 3: #1 Hawk Hill (Ed Moger Jr…Tiago Pereira)

Race 3: #10 Double Tiger (Jamey Thomas…Kent Desormeaux)

Race 5: #5 Zippy Baby (Tim McCanna…Trevor McCarthy)

Race 7: #3 I’mgonnabesomebody (Bill McLean…Jessica Pyfer)

Race 7: #4 By Moonlight (Isidro Tamayo…Kyle Frey)

Race 10: #6 Keeper Ofthe Stars (Jonathan Wong…Abel Cedillo)

Race 11: #12 Uncaged Kitty (Andy Mathis…Ricky Gonzalez)

SUNDAY

Race 3: #9 Tiz a Speed Bomb (Isidro Tamayo…Juan Espinoza)

Race 6: #2 Trip to Spain (Jamey Thomas…Kyle Frey)

Race 6: #5 Northvale Road (Ed Moger Jr…Tiago Pereira)

Race 3: #3 Bonita Leona (Andy Mathis…Kyle Frey)

Race 8: #10 Amanda Rose (Ed Moger Jr…Juan Hernandez)

CLAIMS REPORT

Below is a list of claims from last week:

FRIDAY

Race 2: Project Leader (New trainer Jonathan Wong…new owner Battle Born Racing & MJVET Stables)

Race 3: Beautyinthebeast (Pablo De Jesus…Cindy Winschell)

Race 4: Perseverance (Isidro Tamayo…Leon Scott)

Race 6: Italiano (O.J. Jauregui…Carina Jauregui)

Race 9: Made in Karoo (Monty Meier…Browne Cattle Co. and William Branch)

SATURDAY

Race 1: Elusive Virtue (Jonathan Wong…MJVET Stables)

Race 4: Evenrevenworse (Blaine Wright…Seamist Racing, Becker, Lancaster, Manzoni & Manzoni)

Race 7: Imperial Creed (Owner/Trainer Victor Trujillo)

Race 8: Trouble N Paradise (Tim McCanna…Ron Glatt)

Race 8: Where’s Frankie (Gary Greiner…Renee Greiner)

SUNDAY

Race 1: Vangogo (D. Wayne Baker…Richard Barton)

Race 4: Bluegrass Sky (Daniel Franko…Joseph Franko)

Race 4: Wicks and Chappies (Bill McLean…Ables, Auyeung, McLean and Miller)

Race 9: He Be Mojo Risin (Steve Sherman…Cicero Farms LLC)

FINISH LINES: At the recently concluded “Part 1 of the Endless Summer Meet” season, jockey Pedro Terrero won the most races out of any rider with 8 trips to the winner’s circle. Steve Sherman posted the most wins of any trainer with 6 first-place finishes…San Francisco Mile runner up Keeper Ofthe Stars races in the Grade 2, $200,000 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar this Saturday…Multiple Golden Gate Fields stakes winner Camino Del Paraiso continues to prep for a 2021 return to the races. Last Sunday morning, the California-bred breezed six furlongs in 1:13.60 seconds for trainer O.J. Jauregui…Iowa Derby winner Stilleto Boy makes his West Coast debut in the La Jolla Handicap on turf at Del Mar this Sunday for trainer Ed Moger Jr. Moger’s brother, owner Steve Moger, purchased Stilleto Boy for $420,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age sale after the Iowa Derby win…Trainer Jamey Thomas saddles impressive GGF maiden winner Trip to Spain in the $100,000 Graduation Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds while Ed Moger Jr. campaigns Northvale Road in the same race…Happy birthday to Golden Gate Director of Administration Cynthia Seidl, who celebrates her birthday on Sunday…Friday is Opening Day of the 6-day “Wine Country Racing at Golden Gate” Summer meet. With that, the Golden Pick Six pool begins anew on Friday.

PATIENCE AND DETERMINATION PAYS OFF FOR TERRERO 

On February 2, 2019, jockey Pedro Terrero was aboard 3-year-old filly Dreaming About You in a one-mile starter allowance race on the main track. Turning for home, Dreaming About You clipped heels and unseated Terrero, who tumbled to the Tapeta. Although Dreaming About You emerged from the incident unscathed, Terrero suffered a head injury as a result of the spill. Over a two-and-a-half-year span, Terrero had surgery and took a substantial amount of time off.

“I don’t remember what happened at all,” said Terrero of the incident. “I went to different doctors. Eventually, some of the doctors said, ‘If you feel good and you feel you can do it, you can ride again. You have your helmet [that protects you].’”

Terrero, making sure he felt 100% before getting back aboard horses, began galloping in the middle of 2021. Eventually, he made his way back to working horses and, by the end of the Winter/Spring meet, started picking up mounts again with longtime agent Jay Robinson.

Northern California trainers were quick to support Pedro, who began his race riding career at Golden Gate in 2009. At the recently concluded Pleasanton meet, Terrero led all riders in wins with 13 trips to the winner’s circle. After three consecutive two-win days to kick off the summer meet at Golden Gate, Terrero sits atop the jockey standings with six wins from 24 rides.

“I can’t believe it,” said Terrero. “It just feels really good to be back to riding. I go out there, do my best and try to ride good races. I always do the best I can. I’m just happy to be back on horses again.”

Terrero, when away the track, spends time with his family. Terrero and his wife Miriam have three boys: Pedro, Pablo, and Emmanuel.

“My family has supported me all the way,” said Terrero with a smile.

TIGER QUEEN FACES WINNERS AFTER SENSATIONAL MAIDEN WIN

The date is June 13, 2021. The fillies and mares for the nightcap-with a full field of 12-are loading for the final race of the 2021 Winter/Spring meet. Trainer Bill Delia looks on as his 4-year-old filly, Tiger Queen, steps into the gate. Delia recollects he boasted plenty of confidence heading into the race, which was Tiger Queen’s second career start.

“I’ve always thought she was a real nice filly,” said Delia. “In her first race, she had to steady a few times and sort of had a rough trip. I was expecting her to run well [on June 13], but I didn’t expect her to win the way she did.”

And win she did…with authority. Sent off as the 4-1 second choice in the wagering, the daughter of Smiling Tiger went to the lead from post position 3, established a clear advantage for the first half mile, drew off from her company down the lane and hit the wire six and a half lengths ahead of silver medalist Torrey’s Girl. Tiger Queen stopped the clock for six furlongs in 1:10.60 and earned a 75 Beyer speed figure.

“She ran awesome,” said Delia. “I think she’s a pretty good one.”

Two and a half months later, Tiger Queen is enrolled to compete in the feature race this Friday, a first level allowance for fillies and mares. In the marquee eighth race, Tiger Queen draws the rail in a field of seven. Even with a somewhat undesirable post, she sits as the 5-2 morning line favorite. Oddsmaker Steve Martinelli did not forget her last afternoon showing.

“She’s on the rail, yes,” said Delia. “I think she can overcome [the post]. She’s got a lot of speed. If she gets to the front, I think she’ll be double tough. She’s training great. Her works have been real sharp. We’ve given her a bunch of half mile drills and she’s been galloping out strong.”

Golden Gate offers three live race days this week, with first post each day at 1:45 PM PT. Post time for the eighth race on Friday is 5:15 PM PT.

CALIFORNIA STALLION STRAIGHT FIRE WINNING WITH FIRST-CROP PRODIGIES

Straight Fire, a California-stallion standing at Legacy Ranch, was represented by his first Golden Gate winner last Sunday with 2-year-old filly Stopdropandroll. Stopdropandroll, owned by a large partnership consisting of Jungle Racing, KMN Racing, Legacy Ranch, LNJ Foxwoods, Old Bones Racing Stable, Rigney Racing and Jason Litt, earned a 62-beyer with the wire-to-wire score in Race 8. Stopdropandroll is out of the Super Saver mare Supersavvy, who in turn is out of 3-time stakes winner and Grade I placed, 327k earner Don’t Forget Gil.

“We expected her to show speed,” said Stopdropandroll’s trainer, Blaine Wright. “We knew she was of decent quality. Her gate work [5 furlongs in 1:01.40 on July 18] was a super gate work for Golden Gate.”

Wright was positive when asked about characteristics shown from the Straight Fire 2-year-olds in his barn.

“We have a few of his babies here at Golden Gate,” said Wright. “The Straight Fire’s are good-boned, good- minded horses. They seem to be precocious and, knock-on wood, they continue to progress.”

Straight Fire has already produced a pair of impressive maiden winners at other racetracks. Bay colt What In Blazes was a runaway victor two weeks ago at Del Mar, and Fourteeneightyfour beat open company by 9-lengths in a maiden special weight at Delaware Park on July 5.

Straight Fire, a Kentucky-bred son of Dominus out of the A.P. Indy mare Tricky Indy, was purchased as a yearling for $250,000. As a racehorse in 2016, Straight Fire broke his maiden by over 10 lengths while recording an eye-popping 98 Beyer speed figure. He returned a month later in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity and finished as the runner up to the Bob Baffert trained Klimt. His final career race in the Grade I Front Runner Stakes (now known as the American Pharoah), resulted in a third-place finish behind eventual Grade I Santa Anita Derby winner Gormley.

MANDATORY PAYOUTS HIGHLIGHT WAGERING OPPORTUNITIES THIS SUNDAY AT GOLDEN GATE FIELDS

Mandatory payouts in the Golden Pick Six jackpot wager, the Rolling Super High Five and Pick 5 bets highlight the wagering menu this Sunday, August 1 at Golden Gate Fields. First post on the 9-race program is 1:45 PM PT.

The Golden Pick Six, a 20-cent minimum bet, goes as Races 4 through 9 on the Sunday program. Among the races in the sequence: a 2-year-old maiden special weight, an allowance for colts and geldings, and a pair of turf routes. Heading into the Golden Pick Six wager on Friday, there is a small carryover of $2,270. If there is not a single ticket “jackpot” winner on Friday and or Saturday, the carryover will increase by Sunday.

The Rolling Super High Five is offered in any race in which there are seven or more starters. For horseplayers to hit this $1 minimum bet, they must correctly tab the first five finishers in a race. The mandatory payout for this wager comes in the last race in which the ‘High Five is offered.

The Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5), popular amongst horseplayers nationwide, is a low 14% takeout bet every day. The Late Pick 5 (Races 5-9), like the early wager, is a 50-cent minimum bet.

Next Friday, the two-week Wine Country Racing meet begins at Golden Gate. The Wine Country meet offers live racing three days a week, Friday through Sunday. At the conclusion of the Wine Country meet on Sunday, August 15, Golden Gate takes one week off before returning for the remainder of the summer racing season, with live racing scheduled from Friday, August 27 through Sunday, October 3. For more information, please visit goldengatefields.com.

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS CLAIMS REPORT

Below are a list of claims from last week:

FRIDAY

Race 1: Big Award (New trainer Sergio Ledezma…new owners Howard and Janet Siegel)

Race 1: Big Chick (Owner/Trainer Dan Franko)

SUNDAY

Race 4: Silver Claim (Jonathan Wong…MJVET Stables)

DEL MAR WATCH LIST

Below is a list of horses from Golden Gate who race at Del Mar this week:

THURSDAY

Race 3: #3 Seven Sisters (Trainer Andy Mathis…jockey Ricky Gonzalez)

Race 3: #4 Babe’s Got Appeal (Jonathan Wong…Kyle Frey)

Race 3: #9 Livin’ At the Bu (Bill McLean…Drayden Van Dyke)

Race 5: #5 Island Life (Jonathan Wong…Jessica Pyfer)

Race 6: #2 Chasingserendipity (Jonathan Wong…Joe Bravo)

Race 6: #9 American Bourbon (Jonathan Wong…Flavien Prat)

FRIDAY

Race 1: #7 Power’s Princess (Andy Mathis…Joe Bravo)

Race 4: #7 The Great Haynes (Jamey Thomas…Kyle Frey)

Race 5: #6 Momma Mocca (Reina Gonzalez…Kent Desormeaux)

Race 5: #8 Koko’s Mom (Charles Stutts…William Barnett)

Race 6: #3 Top Harbor (Tim McCanna…Tiago Pereira)

Race 7: #10 Engram (Quentin B. Miller…Diego Herrera)

SATURDAY

Race 4: #1 Anitanewmercedes (Isidro Tamayo…Assael Espinoza)

Race 4: #2 Appreciated (Andy Mathis…Tiago Pereira)

Race 5: #3 Til I Found You (Jonathan Wong…Jose Valdivia Jr.)

Race 5: #7 Emma’s Dance (Ed Moger Jr…Drayden Van Dyke)

Race 5: #8 Gayles Evening (Jamey Thomas…Kyle Frey)

Race 6: #1 Trina (Andy Mathis…Joe Bravo)

Race 6: #8 Going to Shabooms (Bill McLean…Kyle Frey)

Race 8: #7 Charge Cash (Tim McCanna…Tiago Pereira)

Race 11: U.S. Danger (Jonathan Wong…Jose Valdivia Jr.)

SUNDAY

Race 4: #4 Christmas Diamond (Andy Mathis…Kyle Frey)

Race 5: #3 Next Flight (Steve Miyadi…Abel Cedillo)

Race 6: #6 Fliplit (Andy Mathis…Kyle Frey)

Race 7: #1 Love of the Sport (Bill McLean…Jose Valdivia Jr.)

Race 7: #3 Philipie Fast (Tim McCanna…Ricky Gonzalez)

Race 7: #4 Frost Warning (Jonathan Wong…Edwin Maldonado)

Race 8: #8 Thismustbetheplace (Andy Mathis…Jessica Pyfer)

Race 8: #14 Tiz a Speed Bomb (Isidro Tamayo…Juan Espinoza)

Race 9: #2 Clockstrikestwelve (Jonathan Wong…Kyle Frey)

FINISH LINES: Campanile Stakes winner I’m So Anna won the $175,000 Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar last Friday, giving GGF Winter/Spring meet leading rider Kyle Frey his first career Del Mar stakes victory. Local conditioner Steve Sherman trains I’m So Anna, a homebred for owner KMN Racing LLC…Golden Gate allowance winner Top Executive, a 3-year-old colt conditioned by Blaine Wright, won the Irish Day Stakes at Emerald Downs this past Sunday. Top Executive was guided to victory by regular rider Kevin Orozco…Tim McCanna trains multiple stakes placed colt Top Harbor, who races in the $175,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds on Friday. Also entered is Silky Sullivan and Alcatraz Stakes winner None Above the Law, trained by Peter Miller…Happy birthday to trainer Debbie Winnick and starter Todd Stephens, both who celebrate birthday’s this week.

2-YEAR-OLD MAIDENS, TURF A POPULAR THEME THROUGHOUT OPENING WEEK

Live racing resumes at Golden Gate Fields on Friday, beginning the traditional summer meeting at “Where the Bay Comes to Play.” First post each live race day is 1:45 PM PT.

Horsemen and horsewomen are eager to run their horses at Golden Gate. For evidence of that, look no further than the entry box. On the first three live race cards of the meet, 216 horses were entered in 26 races, equating to an average field size of 8.3 horses per race.

11 of the 26 races this week are on the turf. The first grass race of the meeting is Friday’s second race: a maiden special weight sprint for California-bred fillies and mares. A full field is assembled, with five “also eligibles” looking to draw into the main body of the field if any scratches occur. Four races later, a turf allowance for 3-year-old fillies goes as the feature. The marquee event on Saturday is a second level allowance-also on turf-with hard knocking older routers set to clash at the one-mile distance. On Sunday, two co-featured allowance grass races highlight a 9-race card.

A trio of 2-year-old maiden races are part of the Saturday and Sunday programs. On Saturday, a pair of 2-year-old races are sprinkled throughout the program. The opener is a maiden claimer, while the eighth race is a California-bred maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies at five furlongs. Top trainers Blaine Wright and Isidro Tamayo debuts a pair of contenders, while Steve Specht and Ed Moger Jr. also have legit players in the field of nine. On Sunday, the sixth race gives California-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings their turn to sprint five panels. Well-known trainers Tim McCanna, Bill McLean, Jamey Thomas, and Jonathan Wong are among the conditioners who have a contender in Sunday’s sixth (the start of the Late Pick 4) with a full field of ten.

For those interested in attending live racing, fans can buy tickets online at goldengatefields.com or purchase “walk up” (cash only) parking and admission on-track. Clubhouse seating is available first come, first serve, and the paddock/A deck (first floor) is now open to patrons. For more information, please visit the link: https://goldengatefields.com/what-to-expect/

IDA CLAIRE LOOKS TO REBOUND ON TURF IN FRIDAY FEATURE

Kentucky-bred Ida Claire was a sparkling maiden winner on turf last April and made a positive impression on all who tuned into the race. Since then, she has lost three consecutive races against winners, and looks to rebound in the feature race on Opening Day Friday, a first level allowance for 3-year-old fillies. The Friday feature, which goes as Race 6 on an 8-race program, is a one-mile and a sixteenth turf route. Trainer O.J Jauregui, not shy to try something new, believes an equipment change will help Ida Claire.

“We’re putting the blinkers on [Ida Claire] for the first time,” said Jauregui. “In her last start, if you watch the video, you can see she was running on but was looking to the outside. In her last couple of races, she’s sort of lost interest and I think the blinkers will help her focus a little better. She worked really well with the blinkers on the other morning.”

Most recently, Ida Claire sprinted six furlongs on dirt at Pleasanton, where she ran third behind multiple allowance winner Do You Hear That. In all other afternoon appearances, Ida Claire has raced exclusively at two turns.

“We switched things up a little bit,” said Jauregui on putting Ida Claire in a sprint race. “It was the only race in the [condition] book for her and we figured we’d give it a shot.”

Her breeding indicates the grass and or Tapeta could be her preferred surface(s) in the long run; she is by multiple European Group 1 turf winner Declaration of War and out of a Lemon Drop Kid mare. For Saturday’s sixth race, Ida Claire draws post position 9 and figures to stalk the pace with regular pilot Irving Orozco back aboard.

“She’s versatile,” said Jauregui. “There’s some speed in the race so she’ll probably be stalking the pace.”

DEL MAR WATCH LIST

Many Golden Gate Fields shippers will compete at Del Mar Racetrack this summer. Every week, we will be noting those horses here.

Friday

Race 4 (Allowance optional claimer $62,500)

#4 Union Dance (Trainer Isidro Tamayo…Jockey Francisco Monroy)

#5 Shadrack (Tim McCanna…Tyler Baze)

Race 5 (20k claimer)

#1 Tacoflavoredkisses (Andy Mathis…Umberto Rispoli)

#2 Tribal Nation (Andy Mathis…Kent Desormeaux)

#10 Twilight Rider (Jonathan Wong…Juan Hernandez)

Race 7 ($175,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old fillies)

#6 Joymaker (Quinn Howey…Trevor McCarthy)

#7 Amazen Grazen (Ed Moger Jr…Abel Cedillo)

#9 I’m So Anna (Steve Sherman…Kyle Frey)

Saturday

Race 2 (12.5k claimer)

#2 Take Me for a Spin (Jonathan Wong…Ricky Gonzalez)

Race 5 (Maiden 20k claimer)

#3 Bold Voyager (Ed Moger Jr…Caesar Ortega)

#4 Shackey’s Love (Jonathan Wong…Tiago Pereira)

Race 9 (Cal-bred allowance)

#1 R M C Hookem (Victor Trujillo…Ricky Gonzalez)

#6 Clem Labine (Isidro Tamayo…Kyle Frey)

Race 10 ($200,000 San Clemente for 3-year-old fillies)

#1 Pizazz (2021 California Oaks winner trained by Richard Mandella…Kyle Frey aboard)

Race 11 (16k claimer)

#1 Angel’s Advocate (Andy Mathis…Tyler Baze)

#3 Plum Wild (Ed Moger Jr…Tiago Pereira)

Sunday

Race 3 (50k claimer):

#3 Ashley’s Valentine (Andy Mathis…Kyle Frey)

#8 Mine Hunter (Andy Mathis…Juan Espinoza)

Race 4 (32k claimer):

#7 El Chavo Del Ocho (Isidro Tamayo…Kyle Frey)

Race 5 (Starter allowance):

#5 Cheerful Charm (Debbie Winick…Kyle Frey)

Race 7 (Daisycutter Handicap):

#8 Never for Money (Andy Mathis…Geovanni Franco)

#11 Sadie Bluegrass (Jonathan Wong…Brayan Pena)

Race 8 (Second level allowance)

#4 Darnquick (Isidro Tamayo…Ricky Gonzalez)

FINISH LINES: Multiple Golden Gate Fields stakes winner Camino Del Paraiso continues to train forwardly for his 2021 debut. “He’s about a month away [from being ready to race],” said trainer O.J Jauregui. “He’s a pro.” Jauregui mentioned the September 6 Rolling Green Stakes as a potential starting spot for the 8-year-old California bred…Two Golden Gate shippers bookended the Saturday card at Del Mar. In Race 1, By Moonlight won a 50k maiden claimer while bumping up in class for trainer Isidro Tamayo and jockey Kyle Frey. Frey also won the allowance nightcap atop Jimmy Blue Jeans, trained by Andy Mathis…2021 California Oaks winner Pizazz competes in Saturday’s $200,000 San Clemente Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on turf at Del Mar. Kyle Frey rides for Hall of Fame conditioner Richard Mandella. Freedom Flyer, who finished as the runner up in the California Oaks, is also entered in the San Clemente…Azul Coast, last year’s El Camino Real Derby winner, makes his 2021 debut in a second level allowance on Friday at Del Mar. Flavien Prat is slated to navigate for trainer Bob Baffert…Multiple Golden Gate Fields winner Indian Peak (now trained by Peter Miller) and Albany Stakes runner up Brandothebartender (Craig Dollase) run in the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for California-breds on Sunday at Del Mar…The 20 Cent Golden Pick Six jackpot wager at Golden Gate begins anew on Friday…Happy birthday to stewards assistant Devon Dunham and trainer Blaine Wright, both who celebrate their birthdays in the next 6 days…Happy belated birthday to trainer Manny Badilla, who celebrated his birthday last week. Far out!!!

FREY SECURES TOP SPOT IN THE JOCKEY STANDINGS WITH ONE WEEK TO GO

With one week left to go at the 2021 Golden Gate Fields Winter/Spring meet, jockey Kyle Frey has secured the jockey title.

Frey, 29, is close to completing a meet to remember. Heading into Thursday, the Bay Area native has won 108 races from 424 rides, with earnings of $2,123,680. Of course, those numbers will increase by the end of the week.

“It’s been a great meet. I want to thank all of the trainers, owners, grooms and exercise riders who have helped make this all possible,” said Frey. “I also want to thank my agent [Fernando “Shoes” Navarro] for doing such a great job, and Golden Gate Fields for putting on a great meet and handling COVID with such caution. [The management] did a great job getting us back to riding when it was difficult to do so.” 

Frey won a trio of stakes on Gold Rush Weekend: the Golden Poppy Stakes with Altea, the Campanile aboard I’m So Anna, and the California Oaks on Pizazz. Riding Rombauer to victory in the 2021 El Camino Real Derby was also, not surprisingly, a highlight of Frey’s meet. Rombauer earned a free berth into the Preakness Stakes with the aforementioned win and wheeled back to score a first-place-finish in the Preakness for trainer Michael McCarthy and owner/breeders John and Diane Fradkin.

“It was cool [watching Rombauer win the Preakness],” said Frey. “Rombauer clearly rose to the occasion. I’m glad to have been a part of his success and getting him there. Michael [McCarthy] is a class act. What you see on camera is exactly what you get in real life. He’s easy to work for and a really nice guy.”

Rombauer is the second horse Frey has worked with who would later compete in a Triple Crown race. In 2018, Frey rode the Doug O’Neill trained Blended Citizen to wins in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes (you read that right) at Turfway and the Grade 3 Peter Pan at Belmont. Later in the year, Blended Citizen was one of nine others to finish behind Triple Crown winner Justify in the Belmont Stakes.

Frey’s agent, Fernando “Shoes” Navarro, called it “a dream come true” to win the jockey title with his rider. Navarro also represented Assael Espinoza at the Winter/Spring meet.

“There are a lot of people to thank for our success,” said Navarro. “All of the horses, owners trainers and their help. Kyle has ridden great all meet. He makes a difference on a horse. He can ride any type of horse-closers, speed horses, you name it. He gets horses to relax beautifully. He’s got the hands-it’s all in the hands-and he’s worked hard to get to this level of success. The whole meet has been awesome.

As an agent, your goal is always to be at the top of the standings with your riders,” continued Navarro. “We work hard every day. I want to thank my family, and specifically my dad for being my number one fan. They have all been extremely supportive on my journey as a jockey agent. My riders and I are a team. We’re Team Shoes baby!”

Navarro noted that throughout the summer, Frey would be traveling to Del Mar and Emerald Downs, as well as riding in Northern California.

“Summer is gonna be fun,” said Navarro. “He’ll ride at Pleasanton and Golden Gate, but he has some chances to win some nice races at other tracks too. We’ve got some calls on Opening Day at Del Mar, possibly all opening week. We’ll be traveling back and forth. Kyle has a couple of stakes mounts at Emerald on June 20 and if things go to plan, he’ll be at Emerald for the Longacres Mile [in August].”

WONG CONTINUES HIS SUCCESS IN THE TRAINING RANKS

Trainer Jonathan Wong is well ahead in the trainer standings and, for the fourth consecutive year, will win the training title at the Golden Gate Winter/Spring meet.

“All in all, I’m really fortunate that our owners stuck with us through COVID and were supportive of the stable,” said Wong. “I have to give a lot of thanks to our jockeys, who rode hard for me and my team all meet long, and our hard-trying horses of course. I’m also really thankful to [General Manager] David Duggan, [Assistant General Manager] William Rizzuto and everyone who worked hard to get us back up and running by January.”

With four more racing days to go, Wong has 73 wins from 270 starters, equating to a 27%-win percentage. His trainees have earned $1,380,392. When asked about highlights of his meet, Wong was quick to point out Gold Rush Weekend.

“Finishing 1-2 [with Stalking Shadow and Jimmy Irish] in the California Derby was awesome,” said Wong. “Running second with Keeper ofthe Stars in the [San Francisco] Mile was a thrill. That was a great weekend.”

Wong is set to have a split-string of horses in Northern and Southern California. Much of his high-quality stock, some 2-year-olds and “California-breds that fit conditions” will be spending their summer by the beach at Del Mar. He’ll have an equally large string in Northern California for Pleasanton and the summer meets at Golden Gate.  

MATHIS SEEKING THIRD STRAIT ALBANY STAKES WIN WITH

Trainer Andy Mathis was presented the Albany Stakes trophy in 2019 and 2020 when his quick turf sprinter Mike’s Tiznow rocketed through five panels in both additions of the race. This year, Mikes Tiznow is not entered for a three-peat, but Mathis has a legit contender that could give him his third consecutive Albany Stakes win.

“It would be nice to win it three years in a row, but this is a different horse…different situation,” said Mathis.

Give Me the Lute, making his first start of 2021, was claimed by Mathis and owners Rod and Wendy Hogan for $80,000 in 2019. He has won three races and is stakes placed since the acquisition, and two of his three victories have come sprinting on turf. In fact, in one of those races he was coming off a layoff, broke the track record, and earned a 96 Beyer speed figure.

“He’s a horse that always looks good and always trains good,” said Mathis. “He’s a unique horse because he’s run well going 5 furlongs and run well going a mile and a sixteenth. I don’t recall training too many horses that can do that, especially at higher levels. This is a good starting spot for him [this year]. I’ve got plenty of 5-furlong works into him and he’s doing things the right way, so I think his fitness level is good.”

For jockey Irving Orozco, who will be aboard Saturday, the ride is expected to be uncomplicated.

“He’s a horse that you want to let him run out of the gate. You don’t want to grab him or send him hard [out of the gate],” said Mathis. “He naturally runs into the race. If he gets outsprinted and he’s sitting second or third, that’s not a problem. If he’s on the lead, that’s where he is.”

A handful of local entrants tackle Give Me the Lute in the Albany. Two of them are trained by Quinn Howey. 4-year-old gelding Bettor Trip Nick, a multiple stakes winner at Golden Gate, makes his second career start on turf. After a victory over talented sprinter Baja Sur two starts ago, Bettor Trip Nick returned to finish off the board in the Lost in the Fog Stakes on April 24. 6-year-old gelding Hong Kong Cowboy cuts back from a route to a sprint after off-the-board finishes against easier company.

“Bettor Trip Nick and Hong Kong Cowboy are both doing well,” said Howey. “Bettor Trip Nick ran on the turf once in a route race as a 3-year-old and he performed well. He’s a very versatile horse. He’s naturally fast but he does not need the lead. [Owner] Leon [Scott] wants to take a shot with Hong Kong Cowboy. He likes this turf course. Both horses are fit and as ready as they could be.”

Tom’s Surprise comes off a good-looking allowance win for trainer Jonathan Wong and bumps up in class for a crack at stakes company. A son of turf router Tom’s Tribute, Tom’s Surprise makes his career debut on grass in the Albany.

“We want to try him on grass, being by Tom’s Tribute, and he’s training really well,” said Wong.

Supplemental entrant Slam Dunk Sermon, who tries turf for the first time, and 2019 stakes winner Tap Back, moving from Santa Anita to the barn of D. Wayne Baker, complete the list of locals.

One entry that raises eyebrows of race watchers is Santa Anita shipper Brandothebartender, winner of the Sensational Star Stakes in March and the Crystal Water in April for California-breds. Brandothebartender is trained by Craig Dollase and looks to extend his win-streak to three. Exhalting, exiting the Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds, tackles older stakes foes in the Albany. Exhalting raced under the care of Jonathan Wong last fall and won three races in a row in Northern California. He returns for Southern California conditioner Doug O’Neill.

The Albany Stakes goes as the ninth of 10 races on Saturday afternoon. First post on Saturday is 12:45 PM.

Race 9: the $50,000 Albany Stakes (5 furlongs on turf for 3-year-olds and upward)

#1 Bettor Trip Nick (Jockey Kyle Frey, Trainer Quinn Howey)

#2 Give Me the Lute (Irving Orozco, Andy Mathis)

#3 Brandothebartender (Assael Espinoza, Craig Dollase)

#4 Slam Dunk Sermon (Frank Alvarado, Steve Specht)

#5 Exhalting (Catalino Martinez, Doug O’Neill)

#6 Tap Back (Silvio Amador, D. Wayne Baker)

#7 Tom’s Surprise (William Antongeorgi III, Jonathan Wong)

#8 Hong Kong Cowboy (Jose Rodriguez, Quinn Howey)

MANDATORY PAYOUTS ON CLOSING DAY SUNDAY, 33k PICK 6 JACKPOT CARRY OVER INTO THURSDAY’S CARD

Closing day of the 2021 Winter/Spring meet at Golden Gate Fields is this Sunday, June 13. With that, there will be mandatory payouts in the Golden Pick Six jackpot wager, the Rolling Super High Five and both Pick 5 wagers.

The Golden Pick Six, a 20-cent bet, features the last six races on each card. Heading into this Thursday’s card, $33,975 is carried over into the Jackpot pool.

The Rolling Super High Five wager will have a mandatory payout in the nightcap on Sunday, assuming there are 7 or more starters in the race. The Rolling Super High Five, or the “pentafecta” wager, is hit when winning horseplayers correctly tab the first five finishers in a race.

The Early Pick 5, a low 14% takeout bet, covers the first five races each day. The Late Pick 5 sequence consists of the last five races every day. 

At the time of this writing, first post on Sunday is to be determined. Track officials project 10 to 11 races on the Closing Day program.

CLAIMS REPORT

Below is a list of claims from last week:

Friday

Race 2: May Song (New trainer Salvador Naranjo…new owner Silvia Soto and Gracia Naranjo)

Race 2: Palm D’Oro (Jonathan Wong…MJVET Stables)

Saturday

Race 2: Zelaia (Victor Trujillo…Fred Montini and Victor Trujillo)

Race 6: Trina (Andy Mathis…William Branch, Richard Catone, Jim Crews and James Green)

Sunday

Race 1: Grinningeartoear (Manny Badilla…Martin Bach)

Race 1: Queen Helene (Jack Steiner…Remmah Racing Inc.)

Race 2: T Bones Trick (Jonathan Wong…MJVET Stables, Hon Cheung Kum & Hsiu Mei Tsai)

Race 5: Elusive Love (Jonathan Wong…Johnny Taboada)

Race 7: Moonlight Blue (Jonathan Wong…MJVET Stable)

Race 9: Night Gig (Pablo De Jesus…Tim Bankers)

FINISH LINES: 2020 Rolling Green Stakes and Joseph T. Grace Stakes winner Camino Del Paraiso is back on the work tab. The 8-year-old gelding drilled 3F furlongs in 39 seconds. Said trainer O.J. Jauregui: “He went nice and easy. We’re going to ease him back into things. Once he’s ready, we’ll look for a spot”…Multiple Golden Gate Fields stakes winner Baja Sur is set to race in the Budweiser Stakes at Emerald Downs next Thursday for trainer Blaine Wright. Wright will also send out multiple Golden Gate winner Coco Bee that same afternoon in the Hastings Stakes for filly and mare sprinters. Trainer Dan Markle is also represented in the Hastings with another Golden Gate shipper, Ima Happy Cat…A good number of Golden Gate horses will be competing at Del Mar this summer. Some (but not limited to) trainers who are projected to send horses south to compete: Quinn Howey, Tim McCanna, Bill McLean, Ed Moger Jr, Isidro Tamayo, Jonathan Wong…Good luck to all this summer; we’ll see you back at Golden Gate in late July!

MOGER JR. EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE AFTER MULTIPLE 2-YEAR-OLD WINNERS ON FRIDAY

In horse racing, a glimmer of hope for the future never ceases to exist. That statement is especially relevant in the spring and summertime, when 2-year-old “early bloomers” begin their racing careers. For horsemen, owners, breeders, jockeys and racing fans everywhere, the dream is to find the next star.

This year in Northern California, trainer Ed Moger Jr. is certainly off to a good start.

Moger Jr., who currently has sixteen 2-year-olds stabled at Golden Gate Fields, debuted a pair of 2-year-old maiden special weight winners last Friday afternoon. Love Candy, the first starter (and winner) by fledgling stallion Danzing Candy, won the third race for Moger Jr. while Irish Wahine, by versatile producer Grazen, finished first in the filly division two races later.

Love Candy, owned and bred by Stuart Tsujimoto, stalked the pace early before drawing clear late to a 2 and 3/4 length victory against seven other rivals in Race 3. The gray or roan colt was ridden by Francisco Duran and paid $15.80 to win.

“I told everyone [Love Candy] was going to be our first 2-year-old winner,” said Moger Jr. “He is very athletic and mature for his age. Real professional. He does things the right way.”

About one hour later, Moger Jr. saddled Irish Wahine and Stanford filly Lion’s Lair to a 1-2 finish in Race 5. Sent off at odds of 9-1, Irish Wahine sat off the pace before producing an eye-catching move, sweeping past stablemate Lion’s Lair late to win the contest by a length and a half. Irish Wahine returned $20.40 to win, and the Moger Jr. exacta paid $69.90 for a $1 investment.

“Both fillies were raised on my farm, and we bred both of them,” said Moger Jr. “They’re beautiful fillies. I told a few people, ‘You won’t find better looking fillies in the paddock than these two.’ I think Irish Wahine will be better going a little longer, too. She’s one I’ve always liked.”

Irish Wahine certainly possesses the pedigree to enjoy added distance. Her older half-brother, Irish Heatwave, won the 2019 Silky Sullivan Stakes racing a mile on turf.

Moger Jr., who owns the 40-acre Sunny Creek Farm with his wife Geralyn in Galt, California, always has a strong prescence in Northern California 2-year-old races. This year, Moger indicated he is sending a string of “about 20” horses, many of them 2-year-olds, to Del Mar Racetrack over the summer. Love Candy and Irish Wahine are likely to be part of that group.

“The majority of our younger horses are California-breds,” said Moger. “There are races for them at Del Mar.”

ALL AMERICAN WINNER NAVY ARMED GUARD IN GOOD SHAPE AFTER STAKES WIN

Local 6-year-old gelding Navy Armed Guard may have been the hunch play of the meet at Golden Gate Fields. Sent off as the 3-1 third choice in Monday’s $100,000 All American Stakes on Memorial Day, the son of Midshipman stalked dueling pacesetters Zestful and Anyportinastorm, took the lead turning for home, was challenged by Santa Anita stakes winner Cupid’s Claws in mid-stretch, and outfinished the aforementioned rival for a half-length victory. Frank Alvarado was in the saddle for trainer Quinn Howey.

On Wednesday morning, Howey reported that Navy Armed Guard exited the All American with a clean bill of health.

“He came out of the race really well,” said Howey. “He pulled up well, looks good. He’s happy…he was playing around on the walker [machine] the next day.”

Howey was delighted with the trip Navy Armed Guard received, racing alone in third early while watching the top two “ding-dong” on the lead. 

“That was the trip we were hoping for,” said Howey. “Frank and I talked about it before the race. We both thought we’d be laying third off the two Southern California horses [Zestful and Anyportinastorm].  If they were going 48, we’d be right off of them. If they went fast, which they ended up doing, then we’d be a few lengths behind. It worked out great.”

Navy Armed Guard showed adversity down the stretch when challenged by 2020 Tokyo City Cup winner Cupid’s Claws. Cupid’s Claws, who hadn’t raced since an off-the-board finish on Breeders Cup weekend at Keeneland, had to settle for second on the afternoon.

“At the 1/8^th pole, I honestly thought we were running for second,” said Howey. “But [Navy Armed Guard] had something left. He kept running.

Whenever you see a horse go a mile in 1:36 and change over the Tapeta, it’s a big effort,” noted Howey on the final race time. “[Owner] Travis Boersma was really excited and I’m really happy for him. Whenever you can buy a nice horse like this and develop him into a stakes winner, it’s pretty satisfying.”

Navy Armed Guard earned a 98 Beyer speed figure for Monday’s win. Howey is still unsure where Navy Armed Guard will start next, but hinted at a possible stakes start at Del Mar.

“There aren’t really any races at Pleasanton for him,” said Howey. “I’m hoping to have a string of 10 to 12 horses at Del Mar and he’ll probably be one of them.”

2020 Snow Chief Stakes winner Indian Peak, who ran fourth in the All American for Howey, is also possible to compete at Del Mar this summer.

“[Indian Peak] is a California-bred, and there are some good races for good purse money at Del Mar for the Cal-breds,” said Howey.

NEVER FOR MONEY TRIES STAKES COMPANY AT SANTA ANITA

4-year-old filly Never for Money makes her stakes debut for trainer Andy Mathis in the Grade 2 Monrovia at Santa Anita on Saturday. The Monrovia, a six-and-a-half-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares, is led by Grade 2 Lexus Raven Run winner Venetian Harbor, Grade 3 placed Superstition and recent stakes winner Constantia.

“There are no more ‘easy’ spots for her,” said Mathis. “She’s run through her conditions.”

Never for Money is lightly raced, with just five career starts to her name. Three of her five afternoon appearances have resulted in trips to the winners circle.

“She’s been a home run,” said Mathis, who purchased Never for Money with co-owner Michael Jawl for $2,200. “When she started working, she was outworking horses that we had bought for a lot more money. Before she ran in her first race, we knew she could run. Last year, she ran third in a second level allowance race and she was a 3-year-old facing older. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

Never for Money beat a second level allowance field in her 2021 debut on May 7, defeating stakes placed Sadie Bluegrass and stakes winner Hollywood Hills. The victory, at five-furlongs on turf, marked her first start in six months.

“I thought the distance might be a little short for her, but she was working good,” said Mathis. “She’ll do what you ask her to do [in her training]. The key before the race is getting her to relax. Sometimes she gets a little excited in the paddock and in the post parade.”

Never for Money, certainly a bargain buy for Team Mathis, is 20-1 on the morning line and will be ridden by Geovanni Franco for the first time.

“I’m a realist,” said Mathis. “This is a tough race with some really nice sprinters. We’re hoping to pick up pieces late.”

ROMBAUER DRAWS POST 3 IN BELMONT STAKES, GETS NEW PILOT

2021 El Camino Real Derby and Preakness winner Rombauer drew post position 3 in an eight-horse Belmont Stakes field this Saturday at Belmont Park. Rombauer, listed at 3-1 on the morning line, will be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez for the first time. Flavien Prat, who rode Rombauer in the Preakness, has opted to ride Kentucky Derby third place finisher Hot Rod Charlie.

Rombauer breezed a half mile last Friday in 50.01 seconds in preparation for the 2021 Belmont. Velazquez was aboard for the workout, which can be viewed on XBTV.com.

CLAIMS REPORT

Friday

Race 1: Runnin Diva (New trainer Melanie McDonald…new owner Audrey Martel)

Race 6: My Sunshine (Reid France…Hat Trick Racing)

Race 8: Diction (Mike Lenzini…John Parker)

Race 8: Tough It Out (D. Wayne Baker…Baker, Bergounous, Decamilla, Hansen, Lang & Lang)

Saturday

Race 2: Kaline (Bill McLean…McLean, Naidoo, Schmit & Smith)

Race 3: Red Bunting (Owner/Trainer Faith Taylor)

Race 6: Oiseau de Guerre (Owner/Trainer Angela Aquino)

Race 7: Made in Karoo (Jonathan Wong…KAM Racing Stables)

Race 7: Northern Gem (Librado Barocio…Mia Familia Racing Stable)

Sunday

Race 3: Extractor (Blaine Wright…Bryan Smith)

Race 3: Rally Cat (Owner/Trainer Arturo Williams)

Race 3: Sweet River Baines (Jonathan Wong…Madden Racing and MJVET Stables)

Race 6: Megameister (Ed Moger Jr…Steve Moger)

Race 9: Trouble N Paradise (Isidro Tamayo…Lurdes Ochoa and Rafael Sanchez)

Race 9: True Friend (Jamey Thomas…Troy Thomas)

Monday

Race 3: He Be Mojo Risin (Victor Trujillo….Isidro Ruvalcaba and Trujillo)

Race 3: Second Bold (Jonathan Wong…Johnny Taboada)

Race 6: Pearl Dragon (Victor Trujillo…Marron Road Ventures LLC)

FINISH LINES: The nightcap on Sunday, a maiden special weight on turf for 3-year-old fillies, was won by Miss Bella Ciao. The Neil Drysdale trained daughter of Tapit was purchased for $900,000 as a yearling in 2019 and is a half sibling to multiple Grade I placed mare Madame Stripes…$16,893 is carried over into the Golden Pick Six jackpot pool on Friday…Happy birthday to trainer Steve Miyadi, who celebrates his birthday on Tuesday…Leg D of the Stronach 5 wager goes as Race 3 at Golden Gate Fields on Friday.

HOWEY HOPING FOR A GOOD SHOWING IN MONDAY’S ALL AMERICAN

Trainer Quinn Howey is eager to see how his two stable stars, Indian Peak and Navy Armed Guard, fare against older stakes company in the feature race on Memorial Day Monday at Golden Gate, the $100,000 All American.

“I think we’ve got a strong 1-2 punch,” said Howey. “Both horses are training phenomenal.”

Indian Peak, a California-bred son of Comic Strip, has always shown promise. Last year, he won the $250,000 Snow Chief Stakes at Santa Anita for California-breds, and was a better-than-looked third in the 2020 El Camino Real Derby. Most recently, Indian Peak defeated a salty group of second level allowance foes on April 25.

“He likes the Tapeta up here,” says Howey. “He’s got a big, long stride. Last time, [jockey] Assael Espinoza got him in the clear and once he did, the race was over. He’s got a nice kick, but you sort of have to time it right.”

Navy Armed Guard, owned by Travis Boersma’s Boardshorts Stables LLC, was purchased for $60,000 at the 2020 Fasig Tipton Horse of Racing Age sale. Boersma, the co-founder and president of Dutch Bros. Coffee, had a hunch that he would have success with Navy Armed Guard.

“We liked this horse at the sale, and I told Travis that $40,000 is a good number to bid up to,” said Howey. “[Travis] got him for $60,000. His dam’s name is Black Java and Travis said, ‘Coffee’s been good to me. Let’s take our chances.’” 

In his only career race over Golden Gate’s Tapeta surface, Navy Armed Guard broke the track record, winning a second-level allowance in a final clocking of 1:35.69 for 8 furlongs. Prepping for the All-American last month, Navy Armed Guard won an allowance race on grass at Turf Paradise.

“I’ve always thought he’s at his very best on synthetics,” said Howey. “[Jockey] Frank [Alvarado] has been on him in his last two works and came back saying he was really excited to ride back. He’s versatile, but I don’t think he’ll be too far off the lead. He’ll probably be stalking.”

The All American is expected to include Anyportinastorm, winner of the Lost in the Fog Stakes on Gold Rush Weekend Saturday, April 24. The last time Anyportinastorm tried two turns, he suffered a heartbreaking, nose loss to Grade I placed Law Abidin Citizen in the 2019 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs.

“Anyportinastorm is going to be tough,” said Howey. “But we’ve got two nice horses coming in.”

The All American is part of a Memorial Day Monday card at Golden Gate, with first post scheduled for 1:20 PM. Live racing this week commences on Friday and runs through Monday.

NONE ABOVE THE LAW LAYS DOWN THE LAW IN THE ALCATRAZ STAKES

3-year-old gelding None Above the Law became a two-time stakes winner at Golden Gate last Sunday, defeating nine other rivals in the $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes on turf. None Above the Law, who also won the Silky Sullivan Stakes on April 25, is conditioned by Peter Miller.

Jockey Irving Orozco, who was aboard None Above the Law for the first time in the Alcatraz, was impressed with how his mount ran. 

“That was a fun ride,” reflected Orozco. “Doing my homework [before the race], I wasn’t sure exactly how much speed there would be.

A few strides out of the gate, I realized that there was going to be a fast pace, and this could set up well for us. At the 3/8ths pole, I thought we had a good chance to win. He’s very professional and light on his feet. He kept the same rhythm the whole way around there and as the speed started to come back to us, I knew we were going to be tough. From there, I kept him in the clear and he came home nice and strong.”

None Above the Law, a son of 2016 Breeders Cup Turf Mile winner Karakontie, earned a 76 Beyer speed figure in both the Silky Sullivan and the Alcatraz, and will likely compete at Del Mar over the summer.

TWO “BABY RACES” ATTRACT FULL FIELDS

A duo of 2-year-old races comprises a quarter of the eight-race program at Golden Gate Fields this Friday. The first of the pair, a 5-furlong dash for 2-year-old colts and geldings, drew ten runners. Ten more 2-year-old fillies are signed up to compete two races later-Race 5-another five-furlong sprint.

Here are some Pedigree “Fun Facts” for each race:

Race 3 (for 2-year-old colts and geldings)

–#3 Diamond Willow (Jack Steiner) is out of the multiple stakes winning router Zenovit. Zenovit won the British Columbia Oaks and Washington Oaks in 2010.

-The first foal by Danzing Candy to make it to the races is #4 Love Candy (trained by Ed Moger Jr.). Danzing Candy, a multiple Grade 2 winning son of Twirling Candy, stands for $5,000 at Rancho San Miguel in San Miguel, California.  Moger Jr. also campaigns $10,000 sale purchase #2 Northvale Road.

–#5 Stay Lit (Quinn Howey) is out of the talented mare Light Striker, who won the Long Beach Stakes going a route of ground in 2015. She earned 163k as a racehorse. The second dam of Stay Lit, Lacie Girl, was a five-time stakes winner in the Bay Area, with a sensational lifetime record of 8 wins and 6 second place finishes from 16 starts, with career earnings of just over 314k.

-#6 Stylish Elegance (Frank Lucarelli) is out of 3-time stakes placed mare Kind of Naughty, who compiled a 22-6-6-3 record, with 112k in career earnings.

–The dam of #9 Highland Ghost (O.J. Jauregui) is a half sibling to multiple Grade 2 winner Win Willy (first place finisher of the 2009 Rebel Stakes and 2011 Oaklawn Handicap.) Win Willy earned over $1,000,000 throughout a 6-year-career. Highland Ghost is the first Golden Gate Fields entrant sired by $3.8 million earner Shaman Ghost, who won the 2017 Santa Anita Handicap. Shaman Ghost resides at Adena Springs North in Canada, where he stands at stud for $7,500.

–#10 Hijo Galante (Frank Lucarelli) is a half-brother to the speedy Fast and Foxy, a top filly and mare sprinter at Golden Gate Fields in 2016 and 2017. Fast and Foxy earned 514k, spanned across a 47-race career, and won three stakes races at Golden Gate during that time.

Race 5

–#1 Pontiffany (Jonathan Wong) is the first foal to race by Washington stallion Pontiff, a half-brother to legendary sire Pulpit. Pontiff, by Giant’s Causeway out of Pulpit’s dam, Preach, stands at Roche Farm for a $2,500 stud fee. The dam of Pontiffany, Seattle’s Best Copy, won a stakes race at Emerald Downs as a 2-year-old.

–#2 Irish Wahine (Ed Moger Jr.) is a half-sister to 2019 Silky Sullivan Stakes winner Irish Heatwave. The second dam to Irish Wahine, Amazing Speed, was a 271k earner and 5-time stakes winner.

–#4 Nizhoni Yee (Quinn Howey) is out of a full sister to multiple stakes winner Tornado Betty. Her dam is also a half sibling to recent allowance winner Joymaker and stakes placed Joyboy.

–#5 Miss Ramona (Ronda Davis) is out of a half sibling to Grade 2 winner Conquest Big E.

–#6 Onefineday (Luis Mendez) is out of a productive mare (Callie’s Clown) who has produced eight other winning siblings. Among them: stakes placed runners Blading Gold and Emerald Gold. Digging further into the pedigree, Callie’s Clown is a half sibling to Grade 3 winners Holberg and Undermine.

–#8 Remember Sue (O.J. Jauregui) is out of the 2004 Bay Meadows Oaks winner Crozet. Crozet herself is a sibling to Grade 3 winner and 388k earner Lindsay Jean, who won the Brown Bess Handicap at Golden Gate in 2003.

–The dam of #9 Lion’s Lair (Ed Moger Jr.) is a half sibling to Uncle Sigh, who ran second in the Grade 3 Withers and Grade 3 Gotham at Aqueduct in 2014. Another half sibling to the dam, Percussion, was a stakes winner and earned 644k.

–#10 My Proposition (O.J. Jauregui) is out of the Tapit mare Propositioned, who in turn is out of 2009 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies winner She Be Wild (this makes She Be Wild the second dam of My Proposition.) The sire of My Proposition, Grade I placed Straight Fire, was a brilliantly fast 2-year-old that broke his maiden by open lengths while earning a 98 Beyer in the process. A son of Dominus, Straight Fire currently stands at Legacy Ranch in Northern California for $3,500.

CLAIMS REPORT

Below is a list of claims from last week:

Thursday

Race 2: Northern Quest (New trainer Quinn Howey…new owner Leon Scott)

Race 5: Lolo Paniolo (Tim McCanna…Al Hodge and Tim McCanna)

Friday

Race 6: King of Speed (Craig Dollase…Jeffrey Sengara)

Race 7: Cutetip (Owner/Trainer Selwyn LaGrone)

Race 7: Good Time Dolly (Pablo De Jesus…Cindy Winschell)

Race 8: Anitanewmercedes (Isidro Tamayo…Marron Road Ventures LLC and Tamayo)

Race 8: Lord Wimborne (Jonathan Wong…Madden Racing)

Saturday

Race 3: Swanee (Jonathan Wong…MJVET Stables)

Race 7: Mr. Pickles (Jonathan Wong…Johnny Taboada)

Race 7: Space Odessey (Lorenzo Campuzano…Manuela Sosa)

Sunday

Race 2: Big Enough (Rafael DeLeon…RD Race Stable Inc.)

Race 3: Dreamer’s Reality (Jonathan Wong…Johnny Taboada)

Race 3: Lastbesthope (Pablo De Jesus…Cindy Winschell)

Race 3: Paper Boy (Reid France…France and Lagattuta)

FINISH LINES: For the first time in quite a while, Golden Gate Fields runs a mile and one-quarter race on Tapeta. This Sunday, the eighth race is a 10 furlong affair, going as the second leg of the Golden Hour Late Pick 4, and drew a field of eight…The Manny Badilla trained Fuente is entered to run in the opener at Santa Anita on Saturday…She’s A Lil Flirt, the first progeny of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah to win in Northern California, returns in Race 4 on Friday against starter allowance company. Brendan Galvin teams up with jockey Armando Ayuso…El Camino Real Derby and Preakness winner Rombauer is likely to work once before the June 5 Belmont Stakes, according to trainer Michael McCarthy, and will get a new pilot in Hall of Famer John Velazquez. Preakness winning jockey Flavien Prat has opted to ride Kentucky Derby third place finisher Hot Rod Charlie in the Belmont…Good luck to jockey Erick Lopez, who has shipped his tack to Delaware Park for the summer and already won a race on Opening Day…Happy birthday to jockey Cristobal Herrera, who celebrates his birthday on Sunday…$17,391 is carried over into the Golden Pick Six jackpot wager for Friday’s sequence…Leg C (the third leg) of the Stronach 5 wager goes as Race 3 on Friday.

CALIFORNIA DERBY WINNER STALKING SHADOW TRIES TURF IN ALCATRAZ STAKES

California Derby winner Stalking Shadow is back and ready to play in the marquee race of the week at Golden Gate, the $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds. The one-mile turf race will be run on Sunday, with entries and post positions set to be drawn on Thursday.

Stalking Shadow, trained by Jonathan Wong, has racked off three consecutive victories on Tapeta. The son of Minister’s Wild Cat makes his career debut on turf and looks to keep his win streak intact.

“The only question is how he’ll handle the turf,” said Wong. “In the past he hasn’t been a great work horse, but his last two works [since the California Derby] have been lights out. You could put a brick wall in front of him and he’d run right through it. He’s doing really, really well right now.”

Other formidable foes line up to take a crack at Stalking Shadow. Seattle Bold was nipped at the wire by Stalking Shadow in a March 26 allowance race, and most recently finished as the runner up behind None Above the Law in the Silky Sullivan Stakes for California-breds. His only career effort on turf resulted in a fourth-place finish, at Santa Anita, behind next out Grade 3 placed colt Hockey Dad. Always well regarded by his connections, trainer Jamey Thomas hopes Seattle Bold has what it takes to turn the tables on the prohibitive favorite.

“We’re going to put blinkers on him for this race,” said Thomas. “In his last few starts, after he turns for home, he’ll try to get over to the rail. He lugs in a little bit. We’re hoping the blinkers will help straighten him up. In his last couple of workouts, he’s worn blinkers and he’s worked really well.”

The Blaine Wright trained Top Executive tries two-turns for the first time after an upset victory against allowance foes at Golden Gate on April 8. Top Executive broke his maiden in a stake at Emerald Downs last summer, the King County Express, and was making his first start of 2021 in the aforementioned April 8 allowance. Top Executive’s dam, the Pure Prize mare Severn Shore, was stakes placed at a mile and an eighth, and his stallion Street Boss has produced route horses like Arkansas Derby winner Danza and multiple Grade 3 winner Social Paranoia.

“He’s got plenty of miles in him,” said Blaine Wright, who indicated Top Executive has been training to route ever since his allowance win. “Wheeling back in two weeks [for the California Derby] from five and a half furlongs to a mile and a sixteenth was a little too quick, so we skipped the race and pointed for this one [The Alcatraz.] He worked seven furlongs the other morning. I don’t think the route of ground will be an issue for him.”

Intriguing prospect Top Harbor is out of 5-time stakes winning mare Reba Is Tops and, like Stalking Shadow and Top Executive, also sports a stakes victory on his resume. After breaking his maiden at first asking as a 2-year-old in June, Top Harbor returned to win the Everett Nevin Stakes one month later. Following the stakes triumph, Top Harbor was given the rest of 2020 off.

As a 3-year-old, Top Harbor has run twice. In his first start off the layoff, he completed the bottom half of the exacta in an April allowance race, finishing a length and a quarter behind Top Executive. His most recent afternoon appearance resulted in a third-place finish in the Silky Sullivan Stakes.

“His mother was a good turf horse,” said Top Harbor’s trainer, Tim McCanna. “Last time out [in the Silky Sullivan] he was coming back in two weeks-a little quick. I think he’s coming into this race better than he was in his first two races this year. He’s ready to go.”

Jungle Cry, trained by Steve Specht, runs back in this restricted 3-year-old race after finishing third against older company in a first level allowance last month. The son of Animal Kingdom posts a razor-sharp 1:13.20 bullet six-furlong workout leading up to his career debut around two turns. Recent starter allowance winner J.T.’s Watch is also expected to enter.

EL CAMINO REAL DERBY WINNER ROMBAUER SCORES UPSET IN PREAKNESS

2021 El Camino Real Derby winner Rombauer surprised the racing world, while equally delighting the Golden Gate Fields racing community and fanbase, with a spectacular victory over Midnight Bourbon and Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit in last Saturday’s Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Top Southern California jockey Flavien Prat was aboard for trainer Michael McCarthy and owner/breeders John and Diane Fradkin.

Rombauer, stalking the pace under Prat early, tracked early leaders Medina Spirit and Midnight Bourbon before producing an explosive rally down the lane, passing the aforementioned pair at the eighth pole and drawing away to win the second leg of the Triple Crown by three and a half lengths. The final clocking for the mile and three-sixteenths, 1:53.62, was the eighth fastest time since the Preakness distance was changed to 9.5 furlongs in 1925. Rombauer earned a 102 Beyer speed figure for his win.

Rombauer shipped from Maryland to Belmont Park on Monday morning, where plans are for him to train at the Elmont, New York racetrack in hopes of running in the one mile and a half Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 5. All reports indicate that Rombauer has shipped well and came out of the Preakness in good order.

Rombauer is the fourth horse to pick up the “El Camino Real Derby-Preakness Double.” Tank’s Prospect won the El Camino Real Derby in 1985 and, three months later, scored a surprise win in the Preakness. One year later, Snow Chief won the El Camino Real Derby and returned to pick up the gold prize in the Preakness. In 1994, Tabasco Cat prepped for his Triple Crown journey in the El Camino Real, won the race with Hall of Famer Pat Day aboard, and went on to win both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes in the spring.

In 2019, The El Camino Real Derby was given an enticing incentive. Beginning that year, the race winner was offered an all-expenses paid, free berth to the Preakness, as long as he or she was Triple Crown nominated. With Rombauer nominated to the 2021 Triple Crown series, he earned the aforementioned free berth. 2019 El Camino Real Derby winner Anothertwistafate also used his free ticket to compete in the Preakness but failed to hit the board in Baltimore.

After a third-place finish in the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland in April, the Fradkin family and McCarthy opted to skip the Kentucky Derby and point for the Preakness. Said Diane Fradkin, “We won the El Camino Real Derby. That was our Derby.”

Isn’t it nice when a good plan comes together?

LOCALS COCO BEE AND DYNASTY OF HER OWN FACE SHIPPER SHE’S SO SPECIAL IN THURSDAY FEATURE

In an allowance that looks like a minor stake on paper, six filly and mare sprinters sign up to compete in the featured sixth race this Thursday at Golden Gate Fields.

The 9-5 morning line favorite is Dynasty of Her Own, who sports a perfect 5 for 5 record on the all-weather Tapeta. Most recently, the Kentucky-bred by Shanghai Bobby split the field in the Camilla Urso Stakes on turf. She’ll be sprinting one furlong farther (six furlongs) on Thursday.

“She’s a really class filly,” sand Wong. “Last time she had excuses. She didn’t break all that great, was last and just had too much to do. She was making up ground in the end. It’s a total “cross out” race. We know she really likes the Tapeta. We entered her to run in the Grade 2 [Desert Stormer] at Santa Anita last week but the race didn’t fill. This race popped up and she’s ready to run. She is a very versatile filly, so she can go to the lead if nobody goes out there or we can take back and track if someone else wants to go fast up front. I’m going to leave it up to [jockey] Kyle [Frey].”

6-year-old mare Coco Bee makes her first start off a three-month vacation for trainer Blaine Wright after a pair of second level allowance victories in the winter. Coco Bee has shown ability since Day 1, says Wright.

“She runs well fresh,” said Wright. “She’s ready for a summer campaign. There are a couple of stakes races at Emerald Downs in the next month or two that we’d like to run in. After this race at Golden Gate, we’ll be trying to get her some blacktype in those races. She will most likely be off to the breeding shed after this year, so picking up blacktype would be really good for her as she moves into her life as a broodmare.”

Like Dynasty of Her Own, Coco Bee has shown she can be successful while implementing various running styles. In her second lifetime win, she went gate to wire. This past January, she won a race making a last to first dash in midstretch.

One familiar face ships North for a return to Bay Area racing. She’s So Special, who makes her second start off a seven-month layoff for trainer Peter Miller, takes a drop in class after a fourth-place finish against stern company in the Mizdirection Stakes on turf at Santa Anita. Last year, She’s So Special sprinted in a restricted 3-year-old allowance race at Golden Gate and dominated her competition, hitting the wire five lengths clear of the runner up finisher. Evin Roman rides for the first time.

Others entered include 2019 Bear Fan Stakes winner Princess Vivian, 2019 Fleet Treat Stakes victor Hollywood Hills, and stakes placed mare Gotham Desire. All three runners have finished behind Coco Bee and Dynasty of Her Own in prior races this year and look to rebound against the big two.

Race 6 on Thursday, May 20 (Allowance at six furlongs on Tapeta for fillies and mares)

#1 Princess Vivian (Jockey Catalino Martinez…Trainer Sergio Ledezma…10-1 morning line)

#2 Hollywood Hills (Frank Alvarado…Steve Sherman…6-1)

#3 Gotham Desire (Assael Espinoza…Ed Moger Jr…6-1)

#4 She’s So Special (Evin Roman…Peter Miller…2-1)

#5 Dynasty of Her Own (Kyle Frey…Jonathan Wong…9-5)

#6 Coco Bee (Irving Orozco…Blaine Wright…4-1)

CLAIMS REPORT

Below is a list of claims from last week:

Thursday

Race 2: Red Dahlia (New trainer Isidro Tamayo…new owner(s) Peter McGoldrick & John Tipton)

Race 4: New Every Morning (Frank Lucarelli…Lucarelli Racing Corp.)

Race 7: They’re Grrreat (Frank Lucarelli…Lucarelli Racing Corp.)

Friday

Race 4: Wahasha (Quinn Howey…Leon Scott)

Race 5: Hot Encounter (Blaine Wright…Casa Loma Stable)

Race 5: Tristram Speaker (Quinn Howey…Boardshorts Stables LLC)

Race 8: Nip Nap (Owner/Trainer Eddie Freeman)

Race 8: That’s My Story (Frank Lucarelli…Richard Bachand Jr.)

Saturday

No claims

Sunday

Race 4: Backstreet’s Back (Reid France…Hat Trick Racing)

FINISH LINES: Two promising 3-year-old fillies displayed an exciting stretch battle in the opener on Preakness Day Saturday. Day Plan (by Carpe Diem) nosed out Torrey’s Girl (Can the Man) in a head-to-head matchup for the final quarter mile of the race. Said trainer Jonathan Wong of Day Plan, “Last year, she was training better than any 2-year-old I had. She had a couple issues though, so we had to put her on the sidelines for a little bit. We’ve always like her.” Said trainer Jamey Thomas of Torrey’s Girl, “She ran a really good race. Jonathan’s filly looks pretty nice. I was proud of how my filly ran.”…Jockey Armando Ayuso won 3 races on Sunday, including the featured nightcap with Shadrack. Ayuso also won 2 races on Saturday and another on Friday…This Friday, multiple Grade 3 placed runner Paige Anne makes her 2021 debut in Race 2, an allowance race for filly and mare routers. The Simon Callaghan trainee finished second in the Remington Oaks (G3) and Torrey Pines Stakes (G3) last year…On Saturday at Santa Anita, California Oaks winner Pizzazz returns in the Grade 3 Honeymoon Stakes on turf. Hall of Famers Mike Smith and Richard Mandella team up with the daughter of War Front…Leg D of the Stronach 5 goes as Race 3 on Friday at Golden Gate…Happy birthday to outrider Ashton Compoy and trainer Terri Eaton, both who celebrate their birthdays in the next seven days…Last Friday and Saturday, the Golden Pick Six jackpot was hit for $71,219 and $10,758, respectively…Nobody hit the jackpot on Sunday, so the carryover amount sits at $7,839 heading into Thursday.