Tricky Trevor again meets his victims in Oakland

ALBANY, Calif. - The best sprint race of the Golden Gate Fields meet so far goes on Friday's card.

Four of the top five finishers in the April 29 Oakland Handicap at six furlongs return in Friday's six-furlong allowance race, including the winner, Trickey Trevor. The other Oakland returnees are Court's in Session (third), Vaderator (fourth), Barber (fifth), and Smudgeledo (last of eight).

Also entered is Double Action, winner of the May 6 Golden Bear, a sprint stakes for 3-year-olds. Rounding out the field is Relato Del Gato, winner of the Feb. 24 $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup in his last start.

Trickey Trevor and Double Action form a potent entry for leading trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, who is using the race to prep his horses for stakes on the fair circuit.

The Oakland was 8-year-old Trickey Trevor's first victory since the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Handicap on Kentucky Derby Day 2006. He sat behind a blistering pace sub-43-second pace in the Oakland and finished strongly to beat The Pharaoh by 1 1/2 lengths.

He should get a similar pace on Friday, as Vaderator and Relato Del Gato appear likely to hook up early. Barber and Double Action also have speed, though they will probably end up behind the two speedballs.

Trickey Trevor also has speed, but his two most recent victories have come with strong moves into the lane. He drew the rail, which probably won't help him.

He has only one half-mile work since his victory, but that is by design.

"He's getting older so we always try to look out for him," Hollendorfer said. "He doesn't need many works."

Friday's race is to tune him up for the $50,000 Sam Whiting at six furlongs at Pleasanton on July 7, Hollendorfer said.

While the speed in the race helps Trickey Trevor's chances, it also can help Court's in Session.

Court's in Session, 8, has little speed but a potent stretch kick. He made up the most ground in the lane in the Oakland.

Double Action, who earned a 104 Beyer Speed Figure in the Golden Bear, meets elders for the first time. "I just want to run him," Hollendorfer said.

Double Action is preparing for the $40,000 Forest White Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs on June 24 at Stockton, he said.