Stalk the Wildcat improving ahead of Golden Nugget

The best part of the Golden Gate Fields stakes season begins Saturday, when the $50,000-added Golden Nugget is run.

The six-furlong stakes for 2-year-olds is the first in a series of races leading up to the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby, one of the early stepping-stones on the Kentucky Derby trail.

Each of the six entrants, including one maiden, will be seeking his first stakes victory.

While it’s far too early to be making Derby plans for any of these, it’s not too early to dream.

After all, one year ago, the 2-year-old Eclipse champion Shared Belief had made only one start, a maiden victory at Golden Gate Fields. Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bayern, Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist, and Travers winner V. E. Day had yet to make a start. Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Toast of New York had just won his maiden in his third start. Only Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome had a stakes victory by this time.

The Golden Nugget will provide a roadmap to future stakes for some and a roadmap to the claiming ranks for others.

In the day’s co-feature, multiple stakes winners Look Quickly, Delta Flower, City by the Bay, and Marks Mine meet in a six-furlong allowance sprint for fillies and mares.

Key contenders

Stalk the Wildcat (Last 2 Beyers: 71-63)

* First foal of a Petionville mare is by the El Camino Real Derby runner-up Ministers Wild Cat. He began his career in the claiming ranks but turned in a solid effort and ran against straight maidens in his second start, pulling away to win by three with a professional effort. He stalked nicely and rallied three wide to gobble up what appeared to be a good field. He’s definitely improving for a Hall of Fame trainer and has worked very well since his win.

Cartoonist (Last 2 Beyers: 65-17)

* He was highly regarded enough to make his debut in the Everett Nevin Stakes at Pleasanton, where he did little. But three months later, a more mature version romped in a wire-to-wire maiden victory here, winning by six lengths. His dam was a stakes winner and stakes-placed at 2, and all four of her foals have recorded multiple victories.

Rainsford (Last 2 Beyers: 66-58)

* He looked like a seasoned runner in winning his debut with a strong kick through the lane at Fresno. Though third in an allowance race, he also made a good move into the lane before hanging a bit late when nipped for second in the final stride. He’s a half to Excellent Band, a multiple stakes winner at 2, and has a nice stalking style.