Binmister dangerous on the lead

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Trainer Gary Demorest could have theft on his mind when he sends out Binmister in the feature race at Hastings Friday. The 1 1/16-mile race for $25,000 claiming 3-year-olds drew 11 horses, and they all will be chasing Binmister.

Binmister has either made the lead or forced very fast fractions in all of his sprints, and there's not much doubt that his jockey, Robert Skelly, will be sending him to the front Friday. It will be the first time Binmister will try to carry his speed farther than 6 1/2 furlongs. The one time he had an uncontested lead, he won a $15,000 maiden race by four lengths. Binmister is coming off a second in a $25,000 sprint on Aug. 6.

Daryl Snow trains the likely favorite in the race, Pamjet. A New York-bred, Pamjet won the last two times he raced at this level and distance. Off of those two wins, Snow felt that Pamjet had earned a try with stakes horses in the Langley Handicap Aug. 14, but after hopping at the start, Pamjet never really got into the race and finished last. Pamjet likes to be on or near the lead and it will be interesting to see what tactics his rider, Chad Hoverson, will use with Binmister in the race.

With the abundance of speed in the field, it could set up nicely for closers Proud Review and Cahill Ruler. Proud Review and Cahill Ruler are both making their first start since being claimed, and their respective trainers, Terry Clyde and Robert Rohman, have done well with their recent claims.