The San Francisco Mile-Grade III
GG Race 5 1M Turf
Purse $200.000 For
Three Year Olds & Up
Well we have reached that time of the year at HRP where older horses must face their younger rivals while spotting them silly amounts of weight which today is seven pounds. When you couple that with the less than stellar jockey colony at Golden Gate you understand why trainers are scrambling to figure out a strategy and a couple have already scratched. We will take a look at the field and whether we think any of the older entrants can overcome their big disadvantage or if this will be a clean sweep for the youngsters.
1 Great Broomstick, trained by Smokey Stover
This lightly raced colt was purchased by Smokey Stover during his recent buying spree for $150.000 at the beginning of March. He was quickly entered into a msw at Santa Anita where he won easily in good time. Is working almost as fast as his older rivals so with the big weight break and the rail draw he will be a top contender.
2 Kenny Wisconsin, trained by D J C Racing Stable
Scratch
3 Friends Of A Feather, trained by Royalty Racing
Has won half of his 12 lifetime starts including his only turf effort. That turf start came in his last race which was contested at the SA downhill course where he battled for the lead and basically went wire to wire. His best results seem to come when he is on or near the lead and I would expect the same from him today although I doubt he can take them all the way.
4 Tune Up, trained by Estero Farms
This 4-year-old colt is also coming off a victory on the SA downhill course getting up in the last jump to win a nwx3. Has won 4 of 10 on the turf but is 2 for 2 when it is wet which will not be the case here. Has some of the best works in the race although probably not enough of a difference to make up 7 pounds. I have it on good authority that the trainer seriously considered scratching but did not like the other races available so decided to let him run.
5 Throne Drone, trained by Aer Stables
In three tries on a firm turf course this three-year-old gelding has won a Grade 3, finished 2nd in the BC Juvenile Turf and has a third in another grade 3. Alleviated fears that his conform had caught up with him in his last outing when he ran a game 2nd while stalking the pace. His works are not as good as some others and his jockey is costing him 2 pounds so not sure if he can match strides with his fellow three-year olds.
6 Early Retirement, trained by Mb Stables
This 3 yo gelding from the top barn has been very impressive since being gelded and moving to the turf. He has victories in an ON bred stake and a nwx1 allowance with a second in another allowance. His works are fast, and you know his trainer is confident as he has scratched his other entry. Should get a good trip with one of the top jocks and will be a major factor.
7 Profound Approach, trained by Chili King Stables
The most experienced runner in the field will be making his 19th career start here. Has yet to find the winners circle for his current connections after being purchased for $200.000 in July of last year. He has run against top level competition without embarrassing himself and works say he fits just fine but will be tough to beat the younger rivals.
8 Inseert The Flirt, trained by Mb Stables
Scratched
9 Spring Stormtrooper, trained by Stald Gullis
Has spent his entire career on the turf making 15 starts while winning a couple of Grade 3’s. Has raced in some of the biggest turf races on the circuit but has not been able to break through at the higher levels. Does come into this off a nice win and has been working well but I think he has too many obstacles to overcome.
10 Siberian Prince, trained by Sir Daniel Martin
This three-year-old gelding is the high earner in the field largely by virtue of his victory in the BC Juvenile Turf. Since that victory he has been trying to qualify for the Derby with no success, so his trainer has decided to move him back to his preferred surface. Has been working like a monster, has the top jock and has been fortunate to move in a couple of spots due to the scratches. He appears the one to beat to me.
11 Private Sector, trained by Allinthegate
Consistent gelding has been first or second in 5 of 7 turf starts. His only two out of the money runs are also his only attempts at the graded level. Works are in line but with the far outside and a less than stellar jockey I do not anticipate a win today.
Summary
I know I have beaten the point to death but when you have the fast development track that horses are currently on there should not be a massive 7-pound allowance for three years olds. Since the works are all very similar I do not see the older horses being able to compete especially since they have also drawn the inferior jockeys. If Siberian Prince can get any kind of trip I think he gets home first followed by Early Retirement and Great Broomstick.
10-6-1-5
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
