Multiple threats in one barn

ALBANY, Calif. - Given the depth of talent in his barn, it's not surprising that Jerry Hollendorfer has five of the 10 nominees for Saturday's $55,000 San Carlos Handicap at Golden Gate Fields.

Nominating horses, even if they do not run, is part of the price of doing business for any trainer. In Hollendorfer's case, though, the one-mile San Carlos seems to be a perfect fit for each of his five nominees.

Boss Ego won the race in 2002. Cappuchino is a multiple stakes winner who captured the Grade 3 Ack Ack at Churchill Downs last year. Gold Ruckus has been the horse of the meeting thus far and won the Lafayette Handicap on New Year's Day. Sirpa, winner of the 2002 Pacifica Handicap at Bay Meadows, just won a sprint prep and is set to stretch out. Bring Home Thegold earned his first stakes placing with a third in the Lafayette.

Hollendorfer plans to run Gold Ruckus, Cappuchino, and Bring Home Thegold. Onebadshark, Jets Fan, and Smile N Wildcat are also expected, while trainer Richard Mandella is still weighing his options with Timely Action.

Cappuchino and Gold Ruckus both ran three weeks ago in the Tanforan Handicap on the turf. Gold Ruckus finished third, snapping a four-race winning streak since his return from a fractured shoulder last spring. Cappuchino was 10th on a surface he doesn't relish.

Gold Ruckus won the Lafayette at one mile in the slop with Bring Home Thegold third. Fourth-place finisher Cappuchino set the pace that day on a track that favorer closers and the outside.

Bring Home Thegold has been freshened since the Lafayette and should get a good trip behind the speed, as Cappuchino and Onebadshark will likely battle for the lead.

Four going for repeat wins

Eight fillies and mares will meet in Friday's feature, a 1 1/16-mile first-level allowance race that includes four last-race winners.

River Ella defeated a similar field in her last start on the turf while winning her maiden. Trukndowntheavenue just won the turf for a $25,000 tag. Clickety Cat won a $32,000 claimer at Santa Anita, while Almond Blossom won a $40,000 starter allowance race.

The one to beat, though, will be speedy Ez Money Honey, a winner in her first two starts.