Blue Law, Alliford Bay come through as favorites

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Blue Law established himself as the top sprinter at Hasting with a convincing one-length victory over Bistraya in the $50,000 George Royal on Monday. Sent off as the favorite in the 6 1/2-furlong dash, which drew eight older horses, he paid $4.40.

With Amadeo Perez aboard, Blue Law went four wide around the first turn and then settled in just behind Strate Remark and Modern, who were on even turns after a half-mile in 45.54 seconds. It looked like Blue Law might not fire when Driller went by him on the stretch turn, but under strong urging by Perez he finished full of run and took control of the race in midstretch. Bistraya rallied late to finish a length in front of Modern, who held on to finish third.

The final time was 1:17.33

“I was a little worried when Driller went by me, but he really dug in,” said Perez. “He galloped out strong, so I think he’ll go long.”

Krasner said the Kentucky-bred son of Dunkirk will stay at Hastings and his next start will be going1 1/16 miles in the $50,000 John Longden 6000 here on June 17.

The good-looking gray is now perfect in two sprints at Hastings. He also won the $50,000 Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural on April 22. He has never won a race longer than 6 1/2 furlongs.

“I think he’ll be able to go long here,” said Krasner, who trains Blue Law for Tim Bankers. “He loves the track and he’s just a happy horse right now.”

In the co-featured $50,000 Vancouver Sun for fillies and mares, Alliford Bay paid $2.30 for her front-running win in the 6 1/2-furlong dash, which drew nine horses.

With Rico Walcott riding, she broke on top and never looked threatened while cruising to a three-length victory over Curlish Figure, who rallied from along the rail to edge Touching Promise by a neck for the runner-up spot. Touching Promise forced the pace and held on well to finish a clear third. It was a good effort by Touching Promise, especially considering the three-time Grade 3 Ballerina winner was making her first start since she rallied to finish second in last year’s Sun.

The final time was 1:17.22.

A 4-year-old daughter of City Zip, Alliford Bay is trained by Blaine Wright and owned by Peter Redekop.

Walcott said his plan was to put Alliford Bay on the lead from the start.

“She broke well, and every time I touched her with my stick she responded,” he said.