Golden Gate Fields: Pete's Slew could get another stakes shot

The 3-year-old Pete’s Slew improved his record to 4 for 4 in non-stakes events last Thursday, rallying five wide to win a six-furlong $80,000 optional claimer. Because the Washington-bred son of Matty G had won at the first allowance condition in his previous start, he ran for an $80,000 tag and went unclaimed.

Pete’s Slew’s only two losses came in stakes, and trainer Tim McCanna said he might give the horse another chance.

“Maybe we’ll try another stakes,” McCanna said. “He knows how to win, and he runs real hard.”

There’s one 3-year-old stakes left for him at the meeting, the $75,000 Alcatraz at one mile on turf May 11. Although Pete’s Slew finished fifth in the one-mile Gold Rush here in December, McCanna hasn’t ruled out trying him at two turns again.

“Eventually, we think he’ll go long,” McCanna said.

McCanna also said that although Pete’s Slew isn’t bred for turf, the gelding has the big feet that seem to be a trait of good turf runners.

Other options for Pete’s Slew include stakes at the Northern California fairs or at Emerald Downs in Washington, where McCanna is based during the summer. There was a 3-year-old stakes sprint at Pleasanton last summer that might be perfect.

Pete’s Slew is now 4 for 6 in his career, with the two losses coming to the undefeated Exit Stage Left in the Golden Nugget and Gold Rush.

What McCanna liked about his race last week is that the speedy Pete’s Slew won after being last early in the five-horse field.

“He’s learned to rate,” McCanna said.

◗ Lady of Fifty Two is another 3-year-old who is getting the hang of things. Lady Fifty Two, 0 for 3 as a 2-year-old, graduated by 5 1/2 lengths March 8 and then won a $40,000 optional claimer here Saturday. A $55,000 yearling purchase by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, Mark DeDomenico, and George Todaro, Lady Fifty Two is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Lady of Fifty.