Cahill Ruler will be flying late

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Cahill Ruler may go favored in Friday's feature race at Hastings, a $50,000 optional sprint for 3-year-olds that has drawn eight closely matched horses going 6 1/2 furlongs.

Cahill Ruler, who is trained by Terry Clyde, made a strong move through the stretch to miss by a head to No Sox Fox in a similar race May 28. He has improved his Beyer Speed Figures in five straight races, and considering his sharp three-furlong blowout Tuesday morning, it wouldn't be surprising to see him continue his progress. There should also be a fast pace to set up his late move. Robert Skelly rides.

Mr. Spoons paid $44.80 for his smart win in a maiden-special event May 29. The win price was certainly warranted. A B.C.-bred gelding, Mr. Spoons had started twice before and both times had showed brief speed before fading to the back of the pack. He's trained by Jim Loseth and will be ridden by Nicky Wright.

Timely Brush, who is trained by Arnie Turner, will be making his first start on the West Coast. He started three times at Oaklawn Park, where he won a $30,000 maiden race in his second start there Feb. 24. In his next outing he finished a close fifth in a nonwinners-of-two allowance race March 18.

Lone Link and Timeless Passion, both trained by Carl Lausten, will each be making his first start of the year. Timeless Passion came within a nose of upsetting stakes winner Alabama Rain in an allowance race last year.