Restrainedvengence gets back to turf

Good timing and sharp runners make Monday’s $50,000-added Rolling Green at 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Golden Gate Fields a handicapper’s delight.

Restrainedvengence is a turf specialist who is a stakes winner on his favorite surface. He could be favored here after losing a three-way photo in the Grade 3 Longacres Mile.

Builder, a $12,500 claim at Santa Anita in February, was second the Grade 3 All American four starts later. He comes off a nice finish on the Del Mar turf after stumbling out of the gate and losing his rider at Pleasanton.

Lymebyrd has been consistent in Golden Gate routes since moving north last fall, hitting the board in all seven starts.

Wicked Old Fashion, the lone mare in the race, has won four straight at this distance over this course.

G.G. Ryder, making his debut for a new barn after a private sale, has two turf stakes wins here, including the Grade 3 San Francisco Mile, a race he also ran second in.

Tortosa makes his first start in 15 months after winning his turf debut in the Alcatraz here last year.

Cafe Flavor makes his stakes debut after a 15-month layoff since a third-place finish here.

Isidro Tamayo, who starts Builder and G.G. Ryder, credits part-owner John Tipton with finding Builder.

“He ran so good in his first start here and showed us so much potential,” Tamayo said. “He’s a little hard to train. He’s still green. He’s pretty smart, but he wants to do things his way.”

After his second in the All American, Builder lost his rider at Pleasanton as the favorite in his next start. He finished strongest a month later in a Del Mar turf race, a race he needed.

Lymebyrd’s trainer, Angelo Tekos, said his 6-year-old gelding prefers Golden Gate’s Tapeta, but added “His two turf races have been respectable.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Restrainedvengence, by Hold Me Back

Last 3 Beyers: 96-88-73

◗ Turf stakes winner was troubled third in photo in Longacres Mile last out.

◗ Barn is 0 for 16 on dirt-to-turf move past two years.

◗ Should get stalking trip from rail.

Builder, by Gio Ponti

Last 3 Beyers: 88-NA-89

◗ $12,500 claim was runner-up in Grade 3 All American for new barn.

◗ Has run first and third in two turf starts at this distance here.

◗ Bullet work here since closing well at Del Mar.

Lymebyrd, by Limehouse

Last 3 Beyers: 84-67-80

◗ Outkicked by Builder in the lane at this distance in last turf race here.

◗ Hit board in 7 of 8 routes since coming north.

◗ Making stakes debut.