Classy pair attempt to fire fresh

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Beau Soleil and Notis Otis will make their much-anticipated returns Friday at Hastings in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race for horses that haven't won $30,000 in 2006. The seven-horse feature also includes stakes winners No Sox Fox and Illusive Force.

If Beau Soleil runs his usual race, they aren't going to beat him. Trained by Steve Henson, Beau Soleil routinely posts Beyer Speed Figures in the high 90's and low 100's. He hasn't raced since finishing fourth in the Governor's Cup at Fairplex last Sept. 25, but he runs very well fresh.

After winning the $150,000 Tiznow Stakes for California-breds at Hollywood Park in April 2004, Beau Soleil didn't race again until last July in a $62,500 optional claimer at Del Mar. Despite the long layoff, Beau Soleil set fast fractions under pressure and drew off to win by three lengths. He was claimed out of the race by his current owner, Jeffrey Sengara.

Beau Soleil signaled his readiness with an exceptional six-furlong work in 1:10.80 on July 8.

Notis Otis is undefeated at 6 1/2 furlongs and also coming off a long layoff. In his last start, he won the Hastings Sophomore on Sept. 24. According to his trainer, Tracy McCarthy, Notis Otis was ready to run earlier in the meet, but injured himself in his stall.

"He got cast and severed an artery in one of his hind legs, so it took a while for that to heal," said McCarthy. "We're very pleased with the way he's come around and he seems to be back to his old self."