'Jaybird' switches to turf

When Jerry Hollendorfer is away, the rest of the trainer colony comes to play. With Hollendorfer, the perennial kingpin of the northern California circuit, off to Kentucky to saddle Cause to Believe in the Kentucky Derby, a field of 10 turf sprinters will assemble for Saturday's feature at Golden Gate, an entry-level allowance with a claiming option of $25,000.

, a former Hollendorfer horse, returns to the grass after chasing top sprinters Carthage and Lost in the Fog in the Golden Gate Sprint on April 22. A 10-time winner of more than $212,000, Twentythreejaybird prevailed in his most recent turf race, earning a 90 Beyer Speed Figure in an optional $50,000 claimer on Oct. 15. Twentythreejaybird will make the important third start of his form cycle for trainer Clifford Delima, and projects as a pace player after chasing quick fractions in his last two races. He should appreciate the class relief on Saturday.

won his maiden over turf at Hollywood Park and his best Beyer came on the grass, but he hasn't raced on a grass course in almost two years. His recent dirt form is solid, and he picks up leading rider Martin Garcia. Expect Stand by Your Flag to stalk the pace.

Steven Miyadi claimed out of his last start, and a repeat of that turf effort on April 27 would put Spanish Eyes squarely in the hunt. Miyadi is clicking at 36 percent winners for the meet. Spanish Eyes has good early speed and should be in contention when the field swings into the stretch.

Flyin on Bye failed as the 4-5 favorite in a starter allowance on April 21. Flyin on Bye hasn't won since October 2004 and owns a 1-3-1 record from 17 starts. He may be best played on the bottom of exotic wagers.

Changing Lanes hasn't raced since March, but he was sharp on dirt at Santa Anita in his last start and has been competitive on the turf in the past. He seems well spotted by trainer Jean-Pierre Dupuis.

Epic Devil, Arch Stanton, Greatest Hope, and Makalapua all will make their turf debut in Saturday's feature. Arch Stanton is an intriguing possibility because his half-brother, General Store, won his turf debut. Arch Stanton dead-heated for third with Stand by Your Flag two starts back on the dirt.

Tractor Boy, well beaten in his North American debut at Santa Anita, rounds out the field.