Cederberg may have found spot to snap losing streak
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – After five straight losses, Cederberg will try to get back on track in an optional $25,000 claiming race at Hastings on Sunday. He looks like the one to beat in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up, which drew eight horses.
Trained by Troy Taylor, Cederberg was undefeated after three starts when he won the $50,000 Jim Coleman Province here in his first start as a 3-year-old last year. He finished fourth as the heavy chalk in the $50,000 River Rock Casino in his next start and was turned out for the season.
Cederberg wasn’t much of a factor when he returned in the $50,000 Inaugural on April 17, but he showed signs of life when he finished third to Twistgrips in a $50,000 optional claimer here June 19. Three weeks later, he finished sixth in his first try at a middle distance.
In his last start, a $35,000 optional-claiming sprint July 22, he was intimidated soon after the start and got up for third, beaten 8 3/4 lengths.
Cederberg has had a decent interim work and could be dangerous if David Lopez can get him into the mix early from post 4.
There should be an honest and contested pace, and that could play into the hands of Clear the Runway.
Trained by Cindy Krasner, Clear the Runway was close to the pace before tiring to finish fifth in the same race Cederberg exits. He had been off for close to two months and ran like a horse who needed a race. A 7-year-old Kentucky-bred, Clear the Runway won the Jim Coleman Province here as a 3-year-old in 2012, and last year he rallied to win the $53,000 Sun Sprint Championship for trainer Tim Rycroft at Northlands Park, where he has been based for most of his career.
KEY CONTENDERS
Cederberg, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 70-53-80
◗ He is dropping to a new low.
◗ The runner-up in his latest won a $35,000 optional claimer last Sunday.
◗ Toss out his route attempt, and his last two sprints have been solid.
Clear the Runway, by Broken Vow
Last 3 Beyers: 65-82-81
◗ He looked good working five furlongs with Denis Araujo aboard last Sunday and could take a big step forward in his second start following a layoff. Araujo rides on Sunday.
Venetian Mask, by Pulpit
Last 3 Beyers: 83-79-67
◗ Trained by Mike Anderson, he probably wants more distance, but he is coming off an impressive win going 1 1/16 miles and owns easily the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure in the field.