Aditya looks long gone
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Aditya was up against it when he made his seasonal debut at Hastings in an optional $35,000 claiming race on May 15. He likes to be involved early and there was a plethora of speed in the 6 1/2-furlong dash. He is going to appreciate the easier company and the shape of the race when he runs in an optional $25,000 claiming race that headlines the eight-race card at Hastings Sunday.
There doesn’t appear to be any other pure speed in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up, which drew nine horses. If Aditya breaks alertly, he is going to be tough to run down.
Trained by Anita Bolton, Aditya won back-to-back sprints, in an allowance race and an optional $25,000 claiming race, before finishing second going 1 1/16 miles in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Stellar’s Jay for British Columbia-bred 3-year-olds last year. Following his narrow loss to Catz On Fire in the Stellar’s Jay, he was given a shot against open company, and he ran a decent race, finishing third in the Richmond Derby Trial on Aug. 21.
That was his last start prior to his fifth-place finish May 15, when he was in the mix early but came up empty late.
Aditya drew post 7, and there isn’t much doubt leading rider Richard Hamel will be gunning him to the lead, where he should be able to control the tempo throughout.
Twistgrips, trained by John Snow, looked good winning a $16,000 claiming race in his first start this year. He was good enough to finish third in the Grade 3 Longacres Mile in 2014, so he should be able to handle the jump in class.
KEY CONTENDERS
Aditya, by Mass Market
Last 3 Beyers: 75-83-80
◗ He won’t be much of a price but there are a lot of arrows pointing in his direction, and his trainer, who since 2013 has won with 24 percent of her starters, is overdue to start rolling at the meet.
Twistgrips, by Benchmark
Last 3 Beyers: 81-74-77
◗ He ran a huge race coming off the bench, and has enough tactical speed to keep Aditya in his sights.
Off the Top, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 67-74-73
◗ Trained by Robbie Anderson, he was favored in a similar race on April 30 but ran like a horse that needed a race. He’s had the race and two solid interim works, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take a big step forward here.