Four stakes winners clash at Bay Meadows

SAN MATEO, Calif. - A strong field of 11 3-year-olds lines up in Saturday's $50,000-added Half Moon Bay Stakes at Bay Meadows. The 1 1/16-mile turf race is the final local prep for the Grade 3 Bay Meadows Derby, which will be run at nine furlongs over the turf on Nov. 4.

Four stakes winners are in the Half Moon Bay: Sir Alfred, winner of the Grade 3 Ascot Handicap; Takin It Deep, victorious in the $200,000 California Derby; Jade Green, winner of the Tacoma Stakes at Emerald; and I'madrifter, who won the Gold Rush Stakes earlier this year.

Sir Alfred rallied from just off the pace to capture the Ascot on the turf here in June. Trained by Chuck Jenda, Sir Alfred recently finished third behind Hoovergetthekeys in a strong allowance race on the grass.

Takin it Deep, at 21-1, upset the California Derby in April. Trained by Gil Matos, Takin it Deep rallied from far back to beat Early Flyer by a half-length. Takin it Deep recently finished fourth in the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar.

Jade Green also rallied in his Tacoma Handicap win at Emerald Downs. Trained by Jim Penney, Jade Green makes his turf debut in the Half Moon Bay.

I'madrifter also will be making his first try over the turf on Saturday. Trained by Steve Specht, I'madrifter appeared on his way to victory in last year's California Juvenile when he ducked in sharply and unseated his rider.

He returned in December at Golden Gate Fields and went wire to wire in the one-mile Gold Rush Stakes. In his last start, I'madrifter tired against older rivals in the Governor's Handicap at Sacramento.

Lasting Tribute enters the Half Moon Bay off two victories over the turf at Del Mar. After finishing third at Hollywood Park in his debut, Lasting Tribute won a $50,000 claiming race over Del Mar's turf course. Last out he won an allowance race on the turf there.