GOLDEN GATE NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 30
by Gary Granade
SCROFA (Unusual Heat), in her fourth start since being claimed for $62,500,
posted a convincing victory in the $100,000 Work the Crowd H. on Sunday,
returning a generous $11.20 as the 9-2 third choice.
Scrofa, who won her previous race despite a six-wide trip, got a
ground-saving ride from Omar Figueroa and rallied from fourth in a field of nine
to capture the one-mile turf stakes for California-bred fillies and mares by 5
1/2 lengths. The 2-1 favorite Shalini (Urgent Request [Ire]) was second and
Bartok’s Blithe (Bartok [Ire]), a 24-1 outsider, finished third.
The winner was timed in 1:37.82 on a course rated good and earned $50,600 for
the victory. She has made $106,220 since Aguirre claimed her at Del Mar for
owners STD Racing Stable and Omar Aldabbagh.
“This filly runs good every time,” Aguirre said. “I loved her today and Omar
gave her a great trip.”
Scrofa surged inside of pacesetter Marty’s Zee (Candi’s Gold), who was racing
well off the rail, on the second turn to take command and never looked back.
“We waited for the speed and then came through,” said Figueroa, who flew in
from Puerto Rico Saturday night to ride Scrofa in the race. “I asked her a
little bit when she made her move but she was strong all the way to the wire.
She still had more in the lane.”
PICK 6 HIT – After eluding handicappers for five straight racing cards, the
Pick 6 was hit Sunday. Handicappers that had perfect tickets received $50,827.20
and those that had five of six were paid $482.00.
The main track exhibited a dominant outside bias, with the rail absolutely
dead. The turf course played fair.
Russell Baze is well on his way to another riding title. He has won 42 races
despite missing time with a minor injury and suspension. Frank Alvarado is a
distant second with 28 trips to the winner’s circle. Roberto Gonzalez moved into
third place with 27.
King of the local trainers, Jerry Hollendorfer has not been as dominant as he
has been at some previous meets, but still holds a commanding lead with 29
winners. The only ones within shouting distance of him are John Martin with 20
and Art Sherman with 18.
HORSES TO WATCH
Monday (12/20)
2ND – CHARLOTTE FOREVER (Walter Willy [Ire]) was sent off as the even-money choice,
dropped back early, rallied late but bogged down along the deeper rail.
8TH – ARDUM ROSE (High Brite) set the pace along the deeper rail, weakened
late under poor handling by apprentice Kate Repp. Needs a rider change.
Sunday (12/26)
2ND – TOO MANY COCKTAILS (Truckee) set the pace racing on the dead rail, held
on for fourth in a good effort against a vicious bias.