Albany, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2016)–After hopping at the start, Right Hand Man, with Juan Hernandez up, captured Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Nugget Stake race by three lengths. Trained by Jeff Bonde, Right Hand Man, after an unfortunate break, recovered quickly, moving up to press the leader, Riser, ridden by Catalino Martinez. The field of five two year old colts went three wide into the stretch, with Silver Assault chasing the pace, digging in for second place. The official time for the six furlong event was 1:09.84.
Juan Hernandez has captured both stake races so far for the Fall Meet and will go for three on November 19 in the Oakland Stakes. “My horse broke a little slow, he moved right before the break. He recovered himself really quickly and then I was just behind the speed waiting for the stretch to make my move. When I asked the horse to go he responded very well,” said Hernandez.
Right Hand Man ran second in Santa Anita’s Speakeasy Stakes on October 16 to California Diamond, who later went on to win the Golden State Juvenile Stakes.
Right Hand Man can be expected to face the three year olds and at a longer distance, for which he is bred, during his 2017 campaign. “When I took him behind the other horses, he relaxed pretty well. It wasn’t too tough for him. But you never know when they move up,” said Hernandez.
Trainer Jeff Bonde: “We bought him at the Barretts Sale last year. He’s a beautiful horse and we paid fair money for him ($120,000). We’ve always liked him and from day one he showed a lot of talent. He’s run really well every time, but that one (a sixth-place finish in the Santa Anita Juvenile). He’s bred to run farther than he has run and he’s also bred for the grass so we have options. I don’t want to look ahead right now.”
Racign resumes tomorrow at Golden Gate Fields with the famous Dollar Day which offers fans $1 beers, $1 hot dogs, $1 general admission, and $1 programs.
The fall meet at Golden Gate Fields runs until December 11.