A case of seconditis for mare

ALBANY, Calif. - Trainer Howard Belvoir hopes Power to Burn can add one ingredient to her repertoire in Sunday's Golden Gate Fields one-mile allowance feature.

"She can run long, short, or in between," Belvoir said. "She can run on or off the pace."

Power to Burn, who has run second in all three of her starts this year, lacks only one thing: luck.

"She's had a couple tough losses," Belvoir said.

"I usually want her stalking, but last time [a second-place finish to Rosanda on Feb. 17], she broke on top and was on the lead. The time before she went to the lead and held Miss Terasita inside her until she finally was able to get out, and won."

Power to Burn has earned $67,682 in 12 starts with only one victory. She was winless in seven starts last year. She does have four second-place finishes and two thirds.

"Seconds are good, and the money's good," Belvoir said. "But you've got to win sooner or later."

Power to Burn has six rivals in Sunday's one-mile race.

Lady Lear, who will be making her third start after a seven-month layoff, is the main challenger. She showed improvement in her second start at Santa Anita and will move back to the main track from the turf, where she has made her past six starts.

Bounty Bay, third behind Power to Burn in their last start after graduating on the turf in her previous start, could show improvement this time.

Two Four Dancer, also coming north from Santa Anita, won three straight on the main track before fading in her turf debut.

Rounding out the field are Bella Villa, Belle of Price, and Watershed Park.

Belvoir may find Power to Burn on the lead again in Sunday's race, but this time he may find her in the winner's circle after the race.

Helping hand

Golden Gate Fields announcer Tony Calo gave the microphone to aspiring announcer Mike Persichino to call Thursday's second race.

Persichino has called some races at minor tracks, but this was his first call at a major track. He said he has also taped calls beside Trevor Denman at Del Mar.

Persichino had spoken with Calo in the past and sent him tapes to review. Magna Vice President Michael Ziegler also listened to the tapes and gave Calo approval for Persichino to call the race.

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