New connections wise enough to keep Audix on grass

Audix, a recent claim for $50,000 at Santa Anita, will try to make a quick return for his new connections in Thursday's featured fourth race at Golden Gate Fields.

The 1 1/16-mile, $32,000 allowance race for 3-year-olds will be contested over the Lakeside turf course.

Audix finished a game third in his last appearance in a mile grass race on Oct. 31. He was beaten just a length in a fast time of 1:34.69 and ships north to try this first level allowance group.

Audix is now trained by Sean McCarthy and seems to be improving since moving to the turf in his last three starts. After winning his maiden over the main track at Del Mar in August he switched to the turf and finished a strong second, beaten just a neck, in a $50,000 claiming race. He moved up against $62,500 claimers in his next try and again wound up second. Last out he was a close-up third and changed barns.

Ice Prince and Heaven's Treat have been facing tougher competition and should be strong factors at this level. Ice Prince finished fifth in the Grade 3 Bay Meadows Derby last out over the turf. Ice Prince had been a game third in his previous start against $62,500 claimers at Santa Anita. He will be looking for his first victory in the United States.

Heaven's Treat showed good speed sprinting last time out and stretches out on the turf in this spot. He may be hard to catch if he can steal an easy early lead. He has two wins in his career, including a win over a similar allowance field last season at Golden Gate. Heaven's Treat will be entered for a $40,000 claiming tag.

R Mclennen comes off a strong turf effort at Bay Meadows and a repeat of that effort makes him a strong contender here. Trained by Jim Hilling, R Mclennen closed late to be third, beaten only a half-length by the older Flowing Rhythm. R Mclennen also finished fourth in tough allowance company at Santa Anita in his prior start.

First post for the eight-race Thanksgiving Day card will be 11:15 a.m.

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