Afleet B's puts streak on the line

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Afleet B's proved she doesn't have to be on the lead when she came from off the pace to win a $20,000 claiming race going six furlongs at Golden Gate on Nov. 25. She had won her previous four races by being involved right from the start, and her newfound ability to rate should come in handy when she makes her first start this year at Hastings on Sunday. The $15,000 claiming race for fillies and mares drew eight horses and goes as the ninth race.

Afleet B's started her five-race win streak with an eight-length romp over bottom-level maidens at Hastings in August. She also cruised to easy wins in her next three starts here before getting up to win by a neck over Mudlaff Charlie at Golden Gate in her final start in 2007.

Trainer Troy Taylor has named Fernando Perez to ride, and they have won 43 percent of their races together over the past two years.

Badgetts Star looks like the main threat to stop Afleet B's win streak. Trained by Toni Cloutier, Badgetts Star moves inside after an impressive win in her first start this year on May 11 in a similar race. With apprentice Jason Pang in the irons, Badgetts Star forced a quick pace while going three wide and then drew off in the stretch to post a convincing 1 3/4-length decision over Grayross Gal.

Badgett Star drew the rail Sunday, and Pang figures to put her right on the lead.