Casino Boss should be tough in Sunday sprint feature

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Casino Boss appears primed for another big effort in a second-level, $35,000 optional-claiming race that will serve as Sunday’s feature at Hastings.

The 6 1/2-furlong sprint drew eight horses, but Casino Boss will be tough to handle if he doesn’t bounce following his narrow loss to multiple Grade 3 winner Commander in a $45,000 optional-claiming race May 4. Commander validated that race when he came back and easily won the $48,620 Journal Handicap at Northlands Park last Monday.

Casino Boss ran a huge race May 4, losing by just a nose despite going three wide the whole way. He hooked up with the leaders at the quarter pole and was immediately joined by Commander, who came from a stalking position. Casino Boss and Commander battled it out the rest of the way, with Commander getting the nod at the wire.

Casino Boss worked a sharp half-mile in 46.80 seconds with leading rider Richard Hamel aboard Monday. He gave every indication that he won’t bounce; instead, he could take a big step forward. Hamel picks up the mount from Ismael Mosqueira, who is based at Northlands Park.

Trainer Mike Anderson was pleased with the move.

“He seems to be thriving right now,” Anderson said. “That was a pretty nice horse he lost to, and I think he’ll run another good race. He really filled out over the winter, and the time off did him a world of good.”

Anderson claimed Casino Boss for $17,500 last July, and in his first start for owner Tammy Cheze, he won an allowance race Aug. 16 before being turned out for the year. Terry Clyde subsequently picked up a share of Casino Boss.

Stratify will be making his first start since he beat a good field of allowance horses last Oct. 5. Trained by Dino Condilenios, Stratify runs well fresh, and he appeared to be on his toes when he worked a half-mile in 46.20 seconds with Frank Fuentes aboard May 17.

Stratify has good tactical speed, and Fuentes figures to put him into the race early.

Condilenios also will saddle Shooting Jacket, who will appreciate the easier company after finishing sixth in the $50,000 George Royal on April 27. He should be heard from late.

The Gov figures to be involved right from the start. He forced the pace before finishing fifth in the same race Casino Boss exits, but he lost by only 1 3/4 lengths.

Irish Romeo and After the Conflict also have speed, so there should be an honest pace. Glenco Kid and Fransor’s Finest complete the field.