New Hollendorfer claim Spy Me Not looks best

ALBANY, Calif. - Spy Me Not, claimed for $32,000 on Oct. 24 at Santa Anita by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, is the one to beat from the rail in Friday's feature at Golden Gate Fields, a six-furlong allowance race. A 6-year-old gelding, Spy Me Not has shown speed in the past but seems more comfortable as a stalker.

He has plenty of speed to run at in this 12-horse field.

His primary competition could come from Natural Style, who made up nearly five lengths in the stretch against undefeated Constant Thunder in his last race.

"Natural Style is just a very honest horse who doesn't make many mistakes," said Natural Style's trainer, Terry Gillihan, who owns a part of the 6-year-old horse. "He runs hard every time. He's a nice horse to have. That's one reason why I re-claimed him."

Speed horses Clear Creek Canyon, who recently defeated $20,000 claimers, Savannah Thumper, Just Outrageous, and Yo Yo Man figure to give late-runners Spy Me Not, Natural Style, and Poppy's Courage a good pace to run at.

Hanna the trainer a winner

Mark Hanna got his first victory as a trainer Tuesday, with Entrancing, who defeated favored Zee Best by a neck in a $4,000 claimer for fillies and mares at six furlongs.

"I spent 18 years as a rider," said Hanna, who calls Slew of Damascus and Captain Condo two of the best horses he rode. "I retired after an accident in 1995. My back hurt for a long time and still bothers me."

After he retired, Hanna ran a string of 21 gas stations, and still works nearly 30 hours a week at night, doing electronic audits on the stations.

"I've been on the track my whole life," Hanna said. "It's hard to get the racetrack out of your blood. I thought about coming back again as a rider, but when I get up in the morning I'm [sore]. "

Hanna is confident he will be a successful trainer.

"Everything is starting to come together," he said. "I've got three guys who have part of a horse with me and another owner I used to ride for. And I have a couple guys who want me to claim a horse or two for them."

- The countdown is on for jockey Russell Baze, who had three victories Tuesday to lift his 2003 total to 392. With eight more victories, Baze will reach the 400 mark for the 11th time in the last 12 years.