The All Button is all you need to hit

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Anyone playing the pick fours Saturday at Hastings will consider punching the “all” button in the fourth race, which caps the early pick four and starts the late pick four. After all, it is a wide-open event with no obvious favorite.

In contrast, the horse The All Button is a possible single in the third leg of the early pick four, which begins with the first race.

The All Button looks like a standout in the $16,000 claimer for 3-year-olds and up, which drew six horses. The seven-race card begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.

Trained by Phil Hall, The All Button is coming off a runner-up finish behind City Steel going 1 1/16 miles in a $16,000 claimer on June 8. With Enrique Gonzalez riding, the 5-year-old Kentucky-bred tracked City Steel and Dashing Don while going three wide around the first turn, took over the lead going past the stands the first time, and couldn’t hold off City Steel, who re-rallied.

It was a solid effort in his first route attempt in three starts this year, and he could take a big step forward Saturday.

The All Button will break from post 2 with Gonzalez retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

The All Button, by Into Mischief

Last 3 Beyers: 73-61-57

◗ With rising Beyer Speed Figures, he is trending in the right direction for leading trainer Hall, who is winning races at a 27 percent clip.

◗ He earned a career-best 91 Beyer Speed Figure when he came from a stalking position to win going a mile in a $35,000 conditioned claimer at Santa Anita last year. With other speed signed on, he could get a similar trip here.

Ezekiel, by Flat Out

Last 3 Beyers: 60-68-38

◗ In his last start, the Anita Bolton-trained 4-year-old Kentucky-bred forced the pace and held on well to finish third going 6 1/2 furlongs in a $16,000 claimer won by the multiple stakes winner Wide Market.

◗ This will be just his second route attempt, and it is easy to toss his first try as he was facing tough company in the $50,000 Chris Loseth Handicap in just his fourth start.

◗ He has the pedigree to get a middle distance and will use his good speed leaving from the rail with leading rider Amadeo Perez aboard.

◗ The past five years, Bolton has a 20 percent strike rate with horses going from a sprint to route.

Sanawar, by Plan

Last 3 Beyers: 64-50-75

◗ Trained by Canadian and British Columbia Hall of Fame trainer Harold Barroby, he owns the best Beyers at the distance and won’t mind the shape of the race.

◗ He did not fire in the same race that The All Button exits, but he was making just his second start this year and came back with a sharp work Monday.