Trainer Isn’t Lagging

Although he is not a serious threat to Jerry Hollendorfer in the trainers’ race at Golden Gate Fields, Armando Lage is winning at a higher percentage than the perennial leader.

Lage, who used to be based locally, has won with 23 of 106 starters--nearly 22%--compared to Hollendorfer’s 19% winning rate (33 for 171).

Trying to add to his victory total, Lage will have three runners today at Golden Gate--Royal Brew in the sixth, Ida in the seventh and Dannys Battle Wise in the eighth.

A 3-year-old gray son of Falstaff, Royal Brew is the one to beat in his race, a one-mile route for California-bred maidens running for a $12,500 claiming price. He has been second in his last pair, failing against Southern California shipper--and dropper--Gottalovefaith most recently on New Year’s Eve.

Ida, a 5-year-old Water Bank mare, is an outsider in the seventh, a one-mile allowance race. She has won three of 20 in her career, but has been more effective on the turf.

Dannys Battle Wise, a 3-year-old gray son of Battle Wise, will be making his first start in Northern California after three futile tries versus better competition at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park.

Lage has had much success with horses shipping from the south and the California-bred should improve with the change in scenery. He will be running a mile against six other 3-year-olds running for a $12,500 tag.

Race of the day: The seventh at Santa Anita attracted a full field of 10 California-bred fillies and mares running a mile on the turf. The 3-1 morning-line favorite in a race where contention goes deep is Broke The Slump, a 4-year-old filly trained by Doug O’Neill.

Who’s hot: Stars In His Eyes. The 5-year-old Pleasant Colony will seek his third consecutive win and fourth in his last five starts in today’s eighth at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. He is trained by Michael Pino for active owner Richard Englander.

Who’s not: Bill McLean. The veteran trainer is 0 for 49 at Golden Gate Fields. He’s a cinch to maintain that total today because he isn’t starting any horses.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Rockin Robannier, Gratis and Daddy Grace in the third; Bemsha Swing, Forget You, Nahulalula and Tonietta in the fourth, and singling Sunset Serenade in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/30. Money: Previous day/meet total: $22.60/$200.60. Total money bet: $190.