The All Button looks like a single in claiming feature

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The All Button ran like he was trying to get away from the wild fires that have plagued British Columbia the past few years when he won a $16,000 claiming race on June 22 at Hastings. If he comes back with a similar performance Sunday, he will be tough to handle in a $25,000 claiming race that drew a solid field of older horses, including City Steel who beat The All Button on June 8.

The 1 1/16-mile race drew seven horses and goes as race six on an eight-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.

The All Button is stepping up in price and is facing a tough group that includes former local horse of the year Square Dancer and stakes winners Highway Boss and Don’t Hold Me Back. Nonetheless, the 86 Beyer Speed Figure that The All Button received for his blowout win stands out, and he should get a similar trip from a forward position Sunday.

With Enrique Gonzalez riding for leading trainer Phil Hall, he dueled for a half-mile, opened up a clear lead at the six-furlong mark, and then drew away under mild encouragement to win the 1 1/16-mile race by 14 lengths.

Mark Cloutier, who rarely claims, reached in and grabbed The All Button for owner Marty Miller. It was just the second horse Cloutier has haltered since 2015. Acting on behalf of Miller, he claimed Union Obsession for $4,000 on June 9. In his next start, Union Obsession lost at the same level by a neck.

The All Button drew the outside post, and Gonzalez will likely try to gun him to the lead in a race that does not have a lot of pure speed.

KEY CONTENDERS

The All Button, by Into Mischief

Last 3 Beyers: 86-73-61

◗ He could not have been more impressive in his last outing and though the 86 Beyer he received stands out, he has posted higher and could be sitting on another huge performance in his second route in a row.

City Steel, by City Zip

Last 3 Beyers: 75-63-75

◗ He goes for his fourth win in a row. He was coming off a win sprinting for the first time in his 55-race career when he upset The All Button in a $16,000 claiming race.

◗ The difference this time is The All Button is coming off a spectacular win, and trainer Dave Milburn has given City Steel just one slow half-mile work since his victory almost a month ago.

Highway Boss, by Street Boss

Last 3 Beyers: 86-73-61

◗ A 7-year-old, he may have found the right level with a third-place finish going 1 1/16 miles in a $25,000 claimer on June 16. It was the first time he was in for a price since owner and now trainer Glen Todd brought him here to be part of the older stakes division in 2016.

Don’t Hold Me Back, by Hold Me Back

Last 3 Beyers: 66-81-76

◗ Trained by Steve Henson, he has enough speed to keep The All Button Honest, and the former stakes winner is eligible to move forward in his second start back after he forced the issue before tiring in the same race Highway Boss exits.