Albany a matchup of class vs. speed

The entire dynamic for Saturday’s $50,000-added Albany Stakes changed dramatically when Alert Bay joined the field as a $100 supplemental entry on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, he seemed a major contender for the Grade 3 San Francisco Mile after winning the California Cup Turf Classic, his fifth straight win, all in stakes. Three of the victories, including two at Hastings Park, were in graded stakes and the other two had $200,000 purses.

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A five-furlong turf sprint, the Albany might not seem the ideal distance for the 4-year-old City Zip gelding, who probably has bigger stakes on his summer schedule. But Alert Bay has enough speed to have won a stakes sprinting last year.

Trained by Blaine Wright, Alert Bay adds intrigue to a race that includes multiple stakes winner Shudacudawudya’s first start since 2012 as well as the 2015 debuts of Southern California-based runners Rock Me Baby and No Silent.

Intrigue aside, the one to beat remains Marino’s Wild Cat, winner of the Lost in the Fog on the main track earlier in the meet.

The 6-year-old Marino Marini gelding has been running against Northern California’s top sprinters and can put in a claim to be the region’s top sprinter despite having lost to Streamside, one of today’s rivals, in his last start.

Marino’s Wild Cat is gearing up for a summer of sprint stakes, including the Oak Tree Sprint at Pleasanton and the Jess Jackson at Santa Rosa.

“He’s been doing pretty good,” said trainer Cliff Delima.

KEY CONTENDERS

Marino’s Wild Cat (Last 3 Beyers: 87-93-92)

◗ He’s a bona fide sprinter, while some of his rivals might prefer longer.

◗ He faded in his lone turf try, which came at Santa Rosa, in an effort that still mystifies his trainer.

◗ He got some time at Delima’s farm after his last start and missed a final work this week because of rain, but he should have enough gas in the tank to get five furlongs.

◗ He’s drawn outside his primary pace rivals.

Alert Bay (Last 3 Beyers: 94-92-93)

◗ Can’t knock his record, but he seemingly wants more distance.

◗ He has been working nicely and shouldn’t find himself that far back despite all his route experience.

◗ Should be well backed, but he is facing a very good sprinter in Marino’s Wild Cat.

Serbian Syclone (Last 3 Beyers: 70-85-65)

◗ This 3-year-old was nominated to the Triple Crown. He meets older for the first time.

◗ He has good speed and will love the distance.