Cleaner trip may be all Hammers Vision needs in Cup and Saucer
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Hammers Vision encountered trouble at the top of the stretch in his most recent start in the Grade 2 Summer Stakes on Sept. 12 and will be looking for a cleaner journey in Sunday’s $250,000 Cup and Saucer Stakes for Canadian-bred 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on turf at Woodbine.
Hammers Vision looked to be in an ideal position along the rail turning for home in the one-mile Summer but found his path blocked at the top of the lane, and he evened out in the stretch to finish seventh. Trainer Brian Lynch said he had been hoping for a better effort from Hammers Vision.
“Even with the little bit of trouble he got in, I thought he would have gone on better than he did, so I was a bit disappointed in that race,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ve ironed a few kinks out, and we’ll test him at the distance.”
Lynch said Hammers Vision has been training well for the Cup and Saucer.
“Everything’s been good with him,” he said. “It was a little bit of a slow breeze last week, but I guess it is what it is. We’ll find out on Sunday.”
Cup and Saucer, Race 8
Key Contenders
Hammers Vision (Last 3 Beyers: 53-72-77)
◗ His outside draw should allow him to stay out of trouble for the stretch run. He showed a strong turn of foot in the stretch in his maiden win at Belmont Park in July and should be dangerous if he can equal that performance.
Conquest Enforcer (Beyer: 73)
◗ He was sent off as the third choice in his career debut in the Summer Stakes. He appeared to have a chance in the stretch but couldn’t match strides with stablemate Conquest Daddyo, who is Breeders’ Cup bound.
Butterfly Dance (Beyer: 66)
◗ He has been given plenty of time since his maiden win going six furlongs on this turf course Aug. 2. His breeding suggests he’ll enjoy the stretch-out in distance, and trainer Malcolm Pierce has strong numbers moving from sprints to routes.
Niigon’s Edge (Beyers: 66-62)
◗ He will try grass for the first time coming off his maiden win in his second career start over seven furlongs Aug. 29.
◗ He finished second to Ruth Less Blue in his career debut Aug. 2. Ruth Less Blue won the Vandal Stakes in his next start, and three other horses from that race also have won in recent weeks.