California Derby closes with 22 nominations

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Berkeley, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer nominated three 3-year-olds for the Jan. 18 edition of the $100,000 California Derby at Golden Gate Fields. A total of 22 3-year-olds had their names placed in nomination to start in the 1 1/16-mile stakes.

Hollendorfer is not only the trainer but also a co-owner of the two colts and one gelding, Exit Stage Left, Puppy Manners and Life Is a Joy. The California Derby is the local prep race for the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby, which goes off on Feb. 15.

Exit Stage Left will come into the race with consecutive stakes wins to begin his career. Co-owned by Mark DeDomenico, the chestnut colt won the Golden Nugget at the track as the even-money favorite on Nov. 9 and captured the Gold Rush Stakes four weeks later as the 3-5 top pick.

Puppy Manners is also working on a two-race win streak, but will be making his eighth career start in the California Derby. The colt broke his maiden in start number six and followed by winning an allowance optional claiming event on Dec. 29.

Life Is a Joy began his career with three straight wins, including a stakes at Fresno. Most recently, the chestnut gelding was second on closing day at Hollywood Park behind California Chrome in the King Glorious Stakes.

Post positions for the California Derby will be drawn on Wednesday, Jan. 15.