Another Kris faces older

ALBANY, Calif. - Just how good is Another Kris?

The 3-year-old Another Kris seemed like a bargain 2-year-old buy at $47,000 when he won his first two starts in a very professional manner. He looked good enough that trainer Jerry Hollendorfer was able to entice Russell Baze to accompany Another Kris to Florida for the Sunshine Millions Dash in January, a decision that cost Baze the mount on Smokey Stover, arguably the country's top sprinter.

But Another Kris turned in a dull try at Gulfstream Park and makes his first start since that Jan. 27 race Thursday in a $50,000 optional claimer at Golden Gate Fields. He meets four older runners, including multiple stakes winner Wind Water, who has won 10 races and $393,413, and Colonel Courtney, the winner of 15 races and $243,096. Also entered are stakes-placed Funny Flyer and claiming type Riverruns Thruit.

Hollendorfer opted for Thursday's six-furlong race rather than waiting for Sunday's Golden Bear Stakes, a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds.

"I wasn't certain that other race would go, and he was eligible for this condition," said Hollendorfer, explaining his choice.

Hollendorfer offers no excuses for Another Kris's sixth-place finish in the Sunshine Millions Dash, although the colt was in traffic and steadied a bit approaching the turn.

Another Kris has worked steadily recently, with six-furlong bullets at both Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields.

Another Kris should get his normal stalking trip Thursday as he tries to catch Wind Water, who has the best early speed in the field. Colonel Courtney usually sits close to the pace.

Colonel Courtney has 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third in 5 starts this year, and was favored over the talented Barber when third in his last start. Prior to that, Colonel Courtney missed by a head to Court's in Session while beating Wind Water.

Wind Water sat just off Vaderator's swift pace before fading in the California Sprint Championship on the turf in his last start.