Golden Gate Fields – 6th race – Larry Birdstone (3-1)
Fresh from earning a career top speed figure in a starter’s allowance race over a wet-fast track at Santa Anita, this Phil D’Amato-trained gelding vans north to try his luck over the Tapeta surface in a competitive first-level allowance middle distance event. The lightly-raced five-year-old has good tactical speed and should draft into an ideal second flight, stalking positon and have every chance to repeat the quality of his sharp score last month. His work pattern since his most recent win has been healthy and sharp, so another forward move for his high percentage connections can be expected. Let’s make him a straight play and rolling exotic single.
Golden Gate Fields – 12th race – 9-Call My Bluff (4-1)
Was given a nice sprint prep vs. straight maiden company in her debut last month and today gets serious while stretching out to a distance and surface she’s bred to love while also dropping into a modest maiden $20,000 claiming affair. The daughter of Temple City retains Frank Alvardo, and should have enough tactical speed to secure a good mid-race position and be ready to pounce when called upon. At 4-1 on the morning line she offers value both in the straight pool and in rolling exotic play.
