After the Conflict can give Hamel win No. 1,500

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Leading rider Richard Hamel is just two wins shy of 1,500 for his career, and there is an excellent chance that he will reach the milestone Sunday, when he rides four horses at Hastings.

Among his mounts is After the Conflict, who will be among the favorites in a $16,000 claiming race that will serve as the feature on the seven-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.

Hamel has 63 wins at this meet and is home as the leading jockey for the second straight year. He started riding in 1988, when he won his first race at the now-defunct Sandown Race Track in Sidney, British Columbia.

One of Hamel’s assets is his ability to read a Daily Racing Form, and he will be aware that his best chance of winning the 6 1/2-furlong dash that drew seven horses is to ease After the Conflict off what figures to be a fast and contested pace.

Trained by Patty Leaney, After the Conflict is coming off a third-place finish in a similar race, where he sat just off a moderate pace with apprentice rider Jose Asencio riding.

Hamel was aboard when After the Conflict won his first start this year in a $12,500 claiming race May 1. It was the 6-year-old gelding’s only win this year, but he’s been in the mix in most of his races and just missed by a head to Sir Barclay in a $16,000 claiming race July 31.

He drew post 6, where he should get a nice trip from a stalking position.

KEY CONTENDERS

After the Conflict, by Gilded Time

Last 3 Beyers: 75-71-72

◗ He has never won without making the lead early, but he came from just off the pace when he just missed at this level three back. He should get a similar trip here.

The Odds R Good, by Cause to Believe

Last 3 Beyers: 62-69-57

◗ Trained by Mel Snow, he is the speed of the speed and will appreciate the easier company with the drop to a new low.

El Capone, by El Corredor

Last 3 Beyers: 66-77-70

◗ Three of his five wins for trainer John Snow have come sprinting, so he shouldn’t mind the cutback in distance. A deep closer, the shape of the race also should work in his favor.

Sir Barclay, by Kafwain

Last 3 Beyers: 69-77-72

◗ His hand was forced when he broke from the rail in his last start, and he got fried after dueling through quick fractions.

◗ The Cindy Krasner trainee will break from the outside post and should be able to track the likely hot pace.