Promise abounds in Golden Gate Debutante

It’s a time for optimism and a time for learning as nine 2-year-old fillies compete in the $50,000-added Golden Gate Debutante on Friday at Golden Gate Fields.

“When you have a developing 2-year-old, it’s fun, especially when it’s one like this one,” said Faith Taylor who sends out Mischievous Curlin, a wire-to-wire winner in her debut.

The six-furlong Debutante also includes a Bob Baffert shipper, Eclair, third in the Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita; No Cover Charge, who won sprinting in her first two starts and then faded after leading to the quarter pole in the one-mile Pike Place Dancer on the turf; and Misirlou, winner of three straight after running second in a troubled debut.

Trainer Steve Specht has always liked Misirlou.

“She’s been pretty solid all the way,” he said. “I told Frank [Alvarado, who will ride her again Friday] that I had one that was pretty special for him when she first came in.”

Misirlou has won when close to the pace and has won when she was trapped inside and was last at the first call.

“This filly is pretty versatile. That’s just natural ability,” Specht said. “She’s one of those runners you don’t know she’s around. If you ask her to go slow in the morning, she does. If you ask her to give you something, she does. She’s pretty easy to handle.”

Mischievous Curlin is by the unraced Curlin to Mischief, who was by the two-time Horse of the Year Curlin and out of Leslie’s Lady, the dam of Beholder, Mendelssohn, and Into Mischief.

“We had to keep a death grip on her in her early works. She’s been so professional from the get-go, we keep forgetting she’s a 2-year-old,” Taylor said.

KEY CONTENDERS

Misirlou, by Slew’s Tiznow

Last 3 Beyers: 67-68-55

◗ Had ton of trouble when second in her debut.

◗ Has won three straight since her debut.

◗ Versatile enough to sit close or sit back and win.

Mischievous Curlin, by Curlin to Mischief

Last Beyer: 66

◗ First-crop sire hails from strong family.

◗ All seven of winless dam’s foals are winners.

◗ Wired rivals in debut but may not need lead.

No Cover Charge, by Kafwain

Last 3 Beyers: 58-64-40

◗ Won first two starts sprinting on lead, set pace in Pike Place Dancer.

◗ Sister of dam’s first foal was a winner at age 2.

◗ Steady but slow works since fade in Pike Place Dancer.