Bearrock N Roll still rocking it at 10

VANCOUVER, British Columbia –Bearrock N Roll will put his six-race winning streak on the line when he runs in a $16,000 claiming race that is the opening-day feature at Hastings on Saturday.

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Bearrock N Roll will be making his first start since he won a $16,000 claiming race on closing day at last year’s meet Oct. 26. Trainer Craig MacPherson is expecting another strong performance from the 10-year-old, who likely will be favored in the six-furlong dash.

“He’s been training very well this spring,” said MacPherson. “If he gets a good trip, he should be right there.”

Under the new waver claiming rules at Hastings, the 22-time winner isn’t eligible to be claimed, which is a relief to MacPherson.

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“Someone might have taken a shot at him this early in the meet,” said MacPherson. “It’s nice that we get to see how he runs here and then take it from there.”

Bearrock N Roll will leave from the outside post 6 with Richard Hamel aboard.

KEY CONTENDERS

Bearrock N Roll (Last 3 Beyers: 77-80-82)

◗ He’s starting to creep up in age but apparently hasn’t lost a step. He won coming off a similar layoff last year.

◗ According to DRF Formulator, MacPherson has a 23 percent strike rate and a $2.82 return on investment with horses coming off a layoff of 180 days or more in the past five years.

Lornefivehundred (Last 3 Beyers: 73-75-64)

◗ Trained by Rob Maybin, he is the only horse in the race who has been racing this year and could have a slight conditioning edge.

◗ He is doubling his price after just missing in an $8,000 claiming race at Golden Gate on March 14, but he was good enough to beat Bearrock N Roll at this level last year.

Iscar (Last 3 Beyers: 79-75-37)

◗ He wants more distance, but there should be speed coming back to him.

◗ He rallied to finish third coming off the bench in a $25,000 claiming sprint last year, and his trainer, Dino Condilenios, has solid numbers with horses coming off lengthy layoffs.