Ammann has two, Hall has three for Spaghetti Mouse

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Dougie Dougie will try to give trainer Christine Ammann her first stakes victory in the $50,000 Spaghetti Mouse at Hastings on Sunday. The six-furlong sprint for 2-year-olds shares the spotlight with the $50,000 Lieutenant Governors’ Handicap, where Apalachee Bay figures to be the favorite in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up.

Dougie Dougie was very impressive in winning his debut and is clearly the one to beat in the five-horse Spaghetti Mouse. With Alex Marti aboard, the son of Afleet Alex broke inward from the inside post. After dropping well back in the six-furlong dash, he made a strong move to reach contention on the stretch turn and then blew by Astronomical to win decisively.

“He’s a nice horse, but it’s been a struggle training him,” said Ammann. “Plenty of talent, but he’s not all there mentally. Hopefully, he can run as well as he did the first time.”

Ammann should know a good horse when she sees one. Before going out on her own, she was the assistant to Dino Condilenios, the second-leading trainer in stakes wins at Hastings since 2010.

“Dougie Dougie reminds me a lot of Snuggles,” said Ammann. “He has her stubbornness but is willing to run when you ask him.”

Snuggles, who earned $355,750, won seven stakes, including the Grade 3 Ballerina as a 3-year-old.

Dougie Dougie will break from the outside post under Marti.

Ammann doesn’t discount the chances of her other entrant, Porter Gent, who will break from post 4 with Scotty Williams aboard. In his only start, Porter Gent broke a step slowly before rallying to finish second behind Catchacougar going 3 1/2 furlongs on June 23.

“He has more speed than Dougie Dougie, and hopefully he’ll break better than he did last time,” said Ammann. “If he does, it will be nice to have one up front and one coming from behind. If he doesn’t, it could be tough to catch one of Uncle Phil’s horses.”

She was referring to leading trainer Phil Hall, who will be represented by Catchacougar, Astronomical, and At Attention. In his only start, At Attention was knocked sideways by Dougie Dougie approaching the quarter pole.

Hall will saddle Apalachee Bay and Calgary Caper in the Lieutenant Governors’ Handicap.

Apalachee Bay is coming off a two-length win over Calgary Caper in the $50,000 John Longden on June 16.

A 4-year-old colt by Malibu Moon, Apalachee Bay was expected to set the pace in the 1 1/16-mile Longden. Instead, he came from a stalking position to easily handle his stablemate. Apalachee Bay could get a similar trip behind either He’s the Reason or Hansen’s Victory. Along with Pitch Count, who will break from the rail, that pair is owned and trained by Glen Todd.

Pitch Count finished third after forcing the pace in the Longden.

“Pitch Count is better when he can stalk,” said Todd. “I am guessing He’s the Reason will be on the lead, but it probably has a lot to do with how they break.”

A fast pace would benefit Calgary Caper, who does his best running late.