Alferrari could get right trip

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - With all of the speed lined up in the ninth race at Hastings on Sunday, the $11,000 claming race that drew seven horses could set up nicely for a horse who can stalk.

Alferrari, a 9-year-old gelding who has won 15 races in his career, could fit the bill in the 6o1/2-furlong sprint that will serve as the feature race. Alferrari has been off since finishing fourth in a key race for this price July 27. His works have been sharp this spring, though, especially his best-of-the-day five-furlong move in 1:01.20 on April 23. His trainer, Jim Brown, has won with his first three starters of the meet.

If I'm Spared has led start to finish in his last two races at Stampede Park, and he could be dangerous breaking from the rail. Trained by Craig MacPherson, If I'm Spared won a $13,000 claming race going four furlongs March 22 and then was never threatened in a six-furlong race that carried a top claiming price of $17,500 on April 12.

Also shipping in from Stampede Park off a win is Viscount VictoroG. A 6-year-old gelding, Viscount Victor G battled through brisk fractions and then was game to narrowly hold off Tyabering in a $10,000 claiming race on April 9.

Viscount Victor G will be making his first start at Hastings for trainer Toni Cloutier.

Soldiers Return scored an impressive win over Earl's Diamond in an $8,000 claiming race April 27.