Rosary Man in top form for Robert Dupret Derby

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Rosary Man looms as the one to beat Saturday in the $50,000 Robert Dupret Derby. The 1 1/16-mile turf event for 3-year-olds drew a field of six.

Owned by Mark Dedomenico and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the gelded son of Songandaprayer has been consistent from Day 1, finishing in the top three in all six starts. The first three came on Golden Gate Fields’s synthetic track this winter and spring. After he beat maidens there March 26, he moved to the Golden Gate turf and continued his strong form against winners, running second May 2, a game second (beaten a neck) May 25, and proving a game winner (by a nose) June 14. Russell Baze, the only rider he’s known, stays with him.

Gin Riki, owned by Calumet Farm and trained by Neil Drysdale, rallied strongly to beat maidens on the Golden Gate turf June 5. He returns to Northern California after rallying for third going 1 3/8 miles on turf against elders July 24 at Del Mar. Roberto Gonzalez rides.

Key contenders

Rosary Man (Last 3 Beyers: 86-84-84)

* Hasn’t run since his game first-level allowance victory June 14 but has been working in solid, steady fashion since.

* Has shown ample tactical speed and versatility. His maiden win came in wire-to-wire fashion, and he captured that June 14 race over elders from off the pace. He’s been either first or second at the second and third margin calls in all six starts.

Gin Riki (Last 3 Beyers: 86-69-66)

* Does his best running late. He rallied from 16 lengths back to beat maidens on the Golden Gate turf June 5 and made up 17 lengths when third in an optional claimer on the Del Mar turf July 24, beaten three lengths.

* Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale already has had success in stakes at this meet. He’s started just two horses, both in last weekend’s turf stakes, winning the Wine Country with Miss Double d’Oro and running third with Aguafria in the Luther Burbank.

El Huerfano (Last 3 Beyers: 80-82-59)

* Was rank and troubled when fourth on turf June 14 at Golden Gate, but that was his first start in more than seven months, and he was beaten just 1 3/4 lengths by Rosary Man.

* Showed turf ability with an easy win over maidens while routing Oct. 24 at Golden Gate.