Claiming race tough to decipher at Hastings

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Consulting with an astrologist, numerologist, or a fortune teller could be the way to go in trying to determine which horse is going to win Saturday's featured race at Hastings. The $12,500 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles goes as race 7, and a case could be made for or against each of the eight horses entered.

Great Prince is a major part of the puzzle. Trained by Harold Barroby, Great Prince has won his last three races and sheds five pounds off of his win over Vintner in a $7,500 claiming race June 18. He began his streak with an easy 3 1/2-length score over Drexel in a $5,000 claiming race restricted to nonwinners this year. He had a harder time winning a $6,500 claimer in his next start, getting up in time to beat next-out winner Super Steve by a neck. Despite being aboard for all three of his wins, Pedro Alvarado abandons him to ride Itlee. Amadeo Perez replaces Alvarado.

The only other horse in the field with a win this year is Cousin Wilber, who came from well off the pace to win a $7,500 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs June 12. Trained by Mel Snow, Cousin Wilber acts like a horse that would thrive going a route of ground, but he has never won a race longer than 6 1/2 furlongs in his 17-race career.

Full Power Ahead, trained by Terry Clyde, has the best Beyer Speed Figure at the distance and is coming off a fourth-place finish in a $12,500 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs June 11. Full Power Ahead has won nine races, but none came on a bullring and he has done his best work running on synthetic surfaces. Nonetheless, he has shown enough in his three sprints at Hastings to warrant serious consideration.

Trainer Robbie Anderson has elected to drop Right Honorable in class after he finished last in a $17,500 claiming sprint June 11. Right Honorable had a rough trip, however, and he only got beat by 2 3/4 lengths. All three of his wins have come sprinting, but he has run well while facing much tougher company going long.

Joy of the Lord, second, and Slews Prospect, last, are stepping up and stretching out after being claimed out of the same race for $7,500 on May 28.

Regal Isolation figures to improve with added distance after running a dull race in his first start this year.