G. G. Ryder seeks elusive Southern California win in California Dreamin'

DEL MAR, Calif. – G. G. Ryder has been a steady presence in trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s stable since 2013, amassing a record of 13 wins in 36 starts and earnings of $611,095.

“I can’t recall a time he hasn’t been in the barn,” Hollendorfer said Wednesday.

The success has come in Northern California and on the fair circuit. G. G. Ryder has yet to win in six starts in Southern California, a losing streak that may end in Saturday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for statebreds at 1 1/16 miles on turf at Del Mar.

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The California Dreamin’ Stakes will be G. G. Ryder’s fourth start at Del Mar. His best result here was a fifth in the 2014 Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds on turf.

G. G. Ryder won the Grade 3 All American Stakes on the synthetic track at Golden Gate Fields on May 29 and is the only 2017 stakes winner among six starters in the California Dreamin’ Stakes.

KEY CONTENDERS

G. G. Ryder, by Chhaya Dance
Last 3 Beyers: 88-98-87

◗ A 6-year-old, G. G. Ryder was second in the Grade 3 San Francisco Mile on turf at Golden Gate Fields in late April, losing by 1 1/4 lengths to Alert Bay. G. G. Ryder has finished in the top three in all five of his starts this year.

“He’s been a consistent horse,” Hollendorfer said. “He hasn’t come through down here. I think the distance fits him perfectly. He can do anything.”

Soi Phet, by Tizbud
Last 3 Beyers: 86-95-83

◗ Soi Phet was a quiet fifth as the 7-5 favorite in the Bertrando Stakes on dirt at Los Alamitos on July 8, a race that left trainer Leonard Powell puzzled. Soi Phet finished 6 3/4 lengths behind race winner Ambitious Brew.

“The winner ran a good race,” Powell said. “Even with my ‘A’ game, I don’t know if I would have won. He ran flat.”

◗ Powell cautioned that Soi Phet is not a definite starter Saturday, but he was encouraged by a five-furlong workout in 1:02.40 on turf last Sunday.

My Italian Babbo, by Papa Clem
Last 3 Beyers: 91-69-84

◗ My Italian Babbo has won two of his last three starts and will make his stakes debut here. Trained by Richard Baltas, My Italian Babbo won an optional claimer against open company at a mile at Santa Anita on June 24, his first start on turf.