Golden Gate Fields - 12/30

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.