'Boiling' will get aid of hot pace

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Boiling Point looks like the hot horse in a $50,000 optional race at Hastings on Saturday. He is coming off of a strong effort in the Richmond Derby Trial and figures be favored over Magcargo in the 1 1/16-mile race, which drew eight horses.

Boiling Point, trained by Ed Thompson, does his best running late, and with Orchids Spirit and Baron's Rank in the field, the pace should be lively enough to set him up. He came on strong to finish third in the Richmond Derby Trial and on Saturday he will be ridden by leading jockey Pedro Alvarado.

Boiling Point, was claimed for $25,000 out of a winning maiden race June 22, and he looks like a good purchase. He won a $35,000 optional race July 27 and followed that up with a good race in the B.C. Cup Stallion Stakes, finishing a fast-closing fifth to the possible favorite in the British Columbia Derby, Roscoe Pito.

Magcargo has been a gem of consistency for his owners, the Diglett Stable. He's missed only one check in his short career, and that was in his debut on May 24. Since then he has won two races and finished second twice. In the Richmond Derby Trial he finished a nose behind Boiling Point in fourth despite going five wide around the stretch turn.

Magcargo drew outside again for Saturday's race, but if his rider, Frank Fuentes, can avoid a wide trip, he should have a big say in the outcome.

Lord Chivas has the best Beyer Speed Figure at the distance in the field, and he earned it with a 7 1/2-length win over $8,000 older nonwinners of three Aug. 31.