Berkeley

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Seven handicappers will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta surface at Golden
Gate Fields in Monday’s Berkeley S. (G3). HELLO SUNDAY (Fr) (Poliglote [GB]) is the
lone confirmed closer in this field of speed types, and we’ll tab the Bobby
Frankel trainee for the mild upset. Third in the Pacific Classic S. (G1) last
summer, the five-year-old hasn’t been in the greatest of form in recent times
but did show some energy in the recent Inglewood H. (G3), earning a 102 BRIS
Late Pace number in that fray. The bay was a troubled, late-running third in the All
American S. (G3) last fall in his lone appearance over this surface, and we hope
a stout pace ensues to set up his late burst beneath Luis Contreras.

MCCANN’S MOJAVE (Memo [Chi]), who was unplaced at 6-5 in this race last
season, is a pretty honest eight-year-old with experience over this oval and
rates a big chance in this spot. The Steve Specht trainee defeated our top
choice in the All American last campaign and exits an even fifth in a downhill
sprint stakes at Santa Anita, an odd but possibly useful prep for this event. The
millionaire California-bred drilled a monstrous six panels in 1:11 1/5 from the
gate in advance of this and looks good if he can rate early beneath Frank
Alvarado.

DESERT CODE (E Dubai) usually offers value and often outruns his odds for
David Hofmans, evidenced by his runner-up showing in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2)
last out at nearly 24-1. The four-year-old chestnut has excellent early speed,
but that trait could end up costing him dearly in the lane unless he can nurse
a clear lead, or settle behind runners. The Kentucky-bred colt should be
prominent from the outset if he handles the footing. Richard Migliore will be in
the irons.

PASS THE HEAT (Unusual Heat) dominated an allowance/optional claiming field on the grass last
out and would be an exotics player with a repeat of that showing for William
Morey, Jr. The five-year-old gelding boasts six wins from just 12 career starts,
he’s based at this track and he should receive ample pace to run at in the
stretch. Kyle Kaenel has the assignment aboard the stalker.

MAGNUM (Arg) (El Compinche) hasn’t shown much in two tries following a
lengthy layoff but could make some noise in this field if he reverts to his
2006 form. The Darrell Vienna charge has trained well in advance of this, so he could be included in your
vertical plays at reasonable odds.

OUR PARTNER (Partner’s Hero), representing the powerful trainer/jockey tandem
of Jerry Hollendorfer and Russell Baze, hasn’t been worse than second in four
tries following a $40,000 claim and rates a top three chance with something
resembling his last quartet. The gelded four-year-old could be the inside speed
of the race, but as we’ve stated previously, we think the tempo will be strong
and this Maryland-bred could be a casualty of it in the latter stages. With that
said, it would be inadvisable to totally dismiss the dark bay, considering his
connections.

MARSH SIDE (Gone West) has a touch of class when at his best and will be making his
initial start for the high-percentage Neil Drysdale barn on this occasion. The
five-year-old, who has put in some huge efforts in Canada in the past two
seasons, could be using this race as a stepping stone to something greater, so
we don’t like the Kentucky-bred’s chances on this day. The 1 1/16 miles of this
race also appears to be much too short for this well-bred horse. Chris Landeros will break from the rail
atop the bay.