Brass and Gold seeks end to victory drought

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Brass and Gold wants more distance than he is getting in a $25,000 claiming race at Hastings on Sunday, but the two-time B.C. Cup Classic winner still looks like the one to beat in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up that drew six horses.

Trained by Barbara Heads, the 8-year-old homebred for Russell and Lois Bennett is looking for his first win since taking the 1 1/8-mile Classic in 2015. With plenty of potential speed in the field, he has an excellent chance of getting it.

Brass and Gold started only twice last year, finishing fifth in a $50,000 optional-claiming sprint and eighth in the $75,000 Lieutenant Governor’s on July 1.

Coming back from the lengthy layoff, his strong late rally came up just short when he finished second to B C Charlie in a $25,000 claiming race May 22. He is eligible to move forward with a race behind him, and there will be speed coming back to him. Brass and Gold drew post 4, with Enrique Gonzalez retaining the mount.

Newcomer Corky’s Luck has been training forwardly for trainer Cindy Krasner and could thrive in his first start at Hastings. It is also his first start since he finished sixth going a mile in a $25,000 optional-claiming race at Turf Paradise on Feb. 25.

Last year at Northlands Park, he won two $25,000 optional-claiming races by a combined 18 1/4 lengths for trainer Tim Rycroft. When he wins, he tends to dominate. The combined margin of his two other wins, both in 2014 at Northlands, was 16 1/2 lengths.

Corky’s Luck drew the outside post; if he runs to his works, he could make a big impact with Jeff Burningham riding.

KEY CONTENDERS

Brass and Gold, by Sungold
Last 3 Beyers: 74-75-74

◗ He is better going longer, but quite simply, he is the best horse in the race, and with a sharp work last Sunday, he appears to be primed for another solid sprint.

Corky’s Luck, by Kentucky Lucky
Last 3 Beyers: 75-73-66

◗ He has been working like he’s ready to fire a big shot coming off the bench; the 6-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding is capable of sitting just off what figures to be an honest and contested pace.

The Odds R Good, by Cause to Believe
Last 3 Beyers: 74-70-80

◗ Trained by Mel Snow, he won four sprints last year, is the speed of the speed, and could be sitting on a peak effort in the third start of his form cycle.

◗ He is also coming off a big effort during which he dueled through quick interior fractions and then held on well to finish a neck behind Brass and Gold.