Stand and Salute Marches Toward Cal Derby

The first four finishers from the Dec. 6 Gold Rush Stakes return to Golden Gate Fields Jan. 17 and stretch out a half-furlong longer in the $100,000 California Derby at 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta all-weather surface.

Stand and Salute, one of a trio of Jerry Hollendorfer-trained hopefuls in the eight-horse field, carries highweight of 122 pounds following his victory in the Gold Rush, which he achieved from a stalking position. Stand and Salute, a son of the A.P. Indy stallion Saint Anddan, is riding a two-race winning streak, having broken his maiden at Golden Gate in October.

Leading owner and breeder Ken and Sarah Ramsey have kept their Broughton Kitten on the West Coast, where she ran second in the Gold Rush after trailing the field early and then rallying. Shipped down to Santa Anita Park for the Dec. 27 Eddie Logan Stakes, Broughton Kitten dropped 12 lengths off the lead and rallied late to gain fourth. The extra distance of the California Derby should suit him well.

Sandor the Hound rallied late for third in the Gold Rush but faded badly in a starter allowance in late December. He also enjoys running from a stalking spot. Rye Patch set the pace in the Gold Rush before fading to fourth. He won his maiden in front-running fashion in November and will likely be sent from his outside post.

Midnight Destiny could challenge Rye Patch on the front end, having broken his maiden in December going wire-to-wire at a mile at Golden Gate. He has finished in the money in his last five starts. Soul Driver brings talent to the field here. He broke his maiden going two turns on the turf at Santa Anita in a special weight heat and most recently ran second in the Eddie Logan after traffic trouble.

Steel has won two of three races, most recently prevailing in a starter allowance contest. Cross the Line enters off his maiden-breaker going a mile over the Tapeta.