Eye of the Tiger Tries Turf

It’s not often a graded stakes winner runs on a weekday card at Golden Gate Fields, but Eye of the Tiger will today.

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer for owner-breeder John Gunther, the 4-year-old colt will make his turf debut in the fourth race, a $36,000 optional claimer at one mile. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of more than $97,000.

The winner of the Affirmed Handicap last summer at Hollywood Park after finishing fifth in the Kentucky Derby, Eye of the Tiger is using the race to prep for the $300,000 Strub Stakes on Feb. 7 at Santa Anita.

Fourth in the seven-furlong Malibu Stakes on opening day at Santa Anita, Eye of the Tiger will be ridden by Ron Warren Jr. in a field that includes Condotierri, Soldierofpleasure, Aly Bubba, Reef Diver, Savage, Hannibal Lad and Studio Time.

Race of the day: Cape Trafalgar, who won four of 16 on the turf in Europe, will make her U.S. debut for trainer Mike Puhich in the seventh at Santa Anita. The $52,000 optional claimer at about 6 1/2 furlongs also attracted Can’t Be Denied, Steal My Kisses, She’s Movin On, Allegedly, Farewell To Arms, Luckbealadytonight, Old Chinese Copy, Sunshine Allie and Autumn Accent.

Old Chinese Copy and Autumn Accent will race coupled as the Golden Eagle Farm-owned entry.

One for the road: Baby Bear’s Soup makes his California debut for hot trainer John Martin in the eighth at Golden Gate Fields, a $12,500 claimer at 1 1/16 miles. The barn is winning at a 31% clip this year.

Exotically speaking: A pick all using Nates Colony and Love Lane in the first, Toofastforyou in the second, Annabelly and Honest Answer in the third, She’s The General and Wild Meeting in the fourth, Star Wizard and China Princess in the fifth, Height Of Summer in the sixth, Cape Trafalgar and Farewell To Arms in the seventh and Noble Plan in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/43. Money: Previous day/meet total: $17.40/$213.80. Total money bet: $260.