Annie should go get them

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The $35,000 Timber Music Stakes on Saturday is the first stakes of the Hastings Park meet for 2-year-old fillies. Six horses have been entered in the 6 1/2-furlong race.

Lil' Irish Annie looks like the one to beat. She made a strong move to beat Brave Miss by a neck in a six-furlong maiden special weight race June 30, and according to her trainer, Henry Miller Jr., she bled in that race. Miller worked her with Lasix Tuesday, and said she came back clean.

Miller said Lil' Irish Annie's ability to settle early should help her in the Timber Music.

"I imagine there will be a good pace and that should help our filly," he said.

Chris Loseth rides Lil' Irish Annie.

Owner-trainer Tom Longstaff has entered Rainbows Forever and Dancewithavixen and they will be coupled in the wagering. Rainbows Forever beat Lil' Irish Annie by a nose on the 3 1/2-furlong nursery course May 1 and Longstaff expects her to be on or near the lead Saturday under Pedro Alvarado.

"Well, she drew the rail and I imagine Pedro will be sending from there," Longstaff said.

Longstaff said that Alvarado had his choice of mounts but he isn't convinced the jockey made the right choice, especially in light of Dancewithavixen's four-furlong work in 47.80 seconds Tuesday.

Said Longstaff: "Dancewithavixen should improve a whole lot going 6 1/2 furlongs. . . . I actually think she's the better horse, but I guess we'll find out Saturday."

Felipe Valdez will ride Dancewithavixen.

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