'Magic' needs help to get in
ALBANY, Calif. - Eleven were entered in Saturday's Golden Gate Fields feature, a one-mile allowance race, on one of the fullest northern California cards in recent memory.
A total of 97 horses were entered on the nine-race card.
The feature promises to be a wide-open affair.
Saratoga's Magic, the logical selection, needs one scratch to draw into the main body of the race. The 3-year-old Saratoga's Magic, third by a neck in his first start off a claim by leading trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, is coupled with 4-year-old Donnybrook Pride.
Donnybrook Pride has only two victories in 27 starts, but has consistently earned checks for Hollendorfer, amassing the largest bankroll in the field with a total of $131,450. Saratoga's Magic is the only other six-figure earner at $116,080.
Several top contenders will have to carry their form from turf to the main track for this race.
Vote, whose last victory came on the dirt at Stockton, has been setting the pace in recent turf starts against similar. He will be a dangerous factor up front.
Stacy's Ridge, stretching out after a pair of disappointing sprint tries at Bay Meadows, has won 2 of 3 career starts here but may prefer sprinting to routes.
Switzerland just won routing for a $25,000 tag and has 2 wins in 5 tries at the distance.
Winemaster, who won his maiden in his second career start, which came after a 10-month layoff, has worked nicely since his victory and might offer value in his main-track debut.
Four definite for Stinson Beach
Eight were nominated with four confirmed to run for Monday's $50,000 Stinson Beach, a six-furlong stakes for 3-year-olds. Those expected to run are: stakes winners Vicarino and Zoning In and Jerry Hollendorfer trainees Candy's Bro and Double Actions.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist, contemplated shipping Vicarino to Turf Paradise to run in Sunday's Lost in the Fog Juvenile - named after Gilchrist's former star - but said he was staying at his home track because he had been assured the race would be run.
David Jerkens, who coordinates the stakes schedule, said he was sure at least one other runner would enter.