Southern invaders dominant
ALBANY, Calif. - A field of eight is signed up for Monday's Grade 3, $200,000 Golden Gate Fields Breeders' Cup at 1 3/8 miles on the turf.
Southern California-based trainer Neil Drysdale is sending three runners in for the race, Corey County, Fantastic Spain and Macduff. Southern California-based Brave Maestro, Notable Guest, Boule d'Or, and Railroad are also entered. Now Victory is the only locally based runner.
"If we had a better spot we would run in it," Now Victory's trainer, Dean Pederson, said.
Now Victory has been off seven months. Pederson considered running him next Saturday in the Grade 3 Berkeley on the main track, but thinks this longer race will be easier on him. Pederson's primary goal for Now Victory is a repeat win in the Joseph T. Grace Handicap at Santa Rosa this summer.
Putmeinyourwill tries again
Allowance races at 1 1/16 miles on the turf and six furlongs on the main track highlight Sunday's card.
Putmeinyourwill seeks his first turf win after running second three times and third twice in six grass starts. He was claimed by Jerry Hollendorfer from a $32,000 maiden claimer Nov. 24, and has two wins, a second, and a third since.
Redstone Arsenal won a starter allowance over the course in his Northern California debut on April 28. Brooklime comes north for the first time after running second in a $40,000 turf claimer at Hollywood Park. Winemaster, third in his May 3 comeback, is another contender.
Among the many speed horses in the sprint are recent Southern California maiden winners Squires Wingman and Ticket Broker. Direct Exposure, Cry Me No River, and local maiden winners Magnificent Blend and Magic Texan add to the speed.
All that speed could set things up for Redman, a stalker coming off a starter allowance victory here May 5.
* With a $91,593 carryover and another $338,692 wagered into the pool on Thursday, the pick six could have had a giant payoff. But when four favorites, three of them odds-on, and two second choices won in the sequence, the payoff was only $650 - with a consolation for five winners of $16.20.