Hollendorfer, O’Neill duel in Juan Gonzalez Memorial

Saturday’s $50,000 Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes at the Alameda County Fair’s Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet is shaping up as a tag-team match between a pair saddled by Jerry Hollendorfer and two sent in by Doug O’Neill.

Only five were entered in the 5 1/2-furlong race for 2-year-old fillies, which is race 3 on a ninerace card. Hollendorfer entered debut winners Accomplishedsister and River of Doubt, and O’Neill shipped in Quant Savant and Lippy. The Ed Moger Jr.trained Papaya rounds out the field.

Although Accomplishedsister earned a higher Beyer Speed Figure than River of Doubt – 54 to 40 – her win came over the Tapeta at Golden Gate while River of Doubt won over the dirt at Pleasanton. Hollendorfer acknowledged that experience over the track is a plus for River of Doubt.

River of Doubt led all the way two weeks ago in a five-furlong maiden race, pulling away late by five lengths. Accomplishedsister, on the other hand, settled in a stalking position just off the pace, moved three wide to reach contention turning for home, and drew off by 2 1/2 lengths, also at five furlongs.

“We knew she could run well,” Hollendorfer said.

As for Team O’Neill, Quant Savant won her only start with ease, while Lippy had to battle in both of her starts. In her debut, Lippy stalked the pace going 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita in a California-bred maiden race, challenged for the lead in midstretch, but couldn’t hold off Time for Kisses. In her second start, Lippy battled for the lead all the way around the track at five furlongs in a similar race and held on by a neck.

Quant Savant was ridden out to a 1 1/4-length score in a statebred maiden race over Time for Kisses at Santa Anita. Time for Kisses beat Lippy in her next start.

JUAN GONZALEZ MEMORIAL KEY CONTENDERS

Accomplished sister, by Acclimation Beyer: 54

◗ She is a half-sister to Sircat Sally, who won multiple graded stakes and earned more than $500,000.

◗ Alejandro Gomez has a return call.

Lippy, by Square Eddie Beyers: 49-51

◗ She was favored in both of her starts.

◗ Both she and Quant Savant are owned by Reddam Racing.

River of Doubt, by Many Rivers Beyer: 40

◗ She is a half-sister to Life Is a Joy, who won a stakes at 2.

◗ Breaks from the rail with the speedy Quant Savant alongside.

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