Amazonian rallies to upset in B.C. Oaks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – With Richard Hamel aboard, Amazonian rallied late to win the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks at Hastings Saturday. She paid $19.40 for her 2 1/4-length victory over Sunburst who was sent off as the 8-5 favorite in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies.

While Im Evin Im Leavin was posting honest interior fractions under pressure from Northern Graystar and Summerland, Amazonian was biding her time with just one horse behind her after a half-mile in 47:56 seconds. She was still well back at the six-furlong mark, made her presence known on the stretch turn, and took over the lead from Sunburst shortly after turning for home. Sunburst had rallied from midpack to take a brief lead at the top of the stretch, but couldn’t hold off the strong move from the winner. Whoop It Up, last early, finished a distant third.

The final time was 1:53.10.

The Kentucky-bred daughter of Malibu Moon is owned and trained by Glen Todd.

“When I breezed her for the first time last week she impressed me with her long stride,” said Hamel. “In the paddock Glen told me to take her back to last. I started picking at her and she nabbed it.”

It was the third year in a row Hamel won the Oaks.

Bear takes Delta Colleen

Under a well-timed ride by Sahin Civaci, Bear got up in the last few strides to edge heavily favored Here's Hannah by a head in the $50,000 Delta Colleen. The Phil Hall-trained daughter of Super Saver paid $19.40.

Here's Hannah, carrying 130 pounds, set the pace in the 1 1/8 miles race for fillies and mares and was game in defeat. It was 7 3/4 lengths back to Good Luck to You and Notis the Jewell who finished in a dead-heat for third.

The final time was 1:52.74.

He's the Reason adds to big night for Todd

He’s the Reason gave owner-trainer Glen Todd his third stakes win on the 10-race card in the $50,000 S. W Randall Plate.

Ridden by Hamel, He’s the Reason made all the running in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. He paid $5.30 for his 2 3/4-length win over Brave Nation. R W Stanley rallied to finish third.

The final time was 1:51.78

“That was pretty easy,” said Hamel.