Cloutier duo look strong at Hastings

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Toni Cloutier has a strong one-two punch with Meux Power and Kwik in Saturday’s feature race at Hastings. The $35,000 optional race for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles drew seven horses and goes as race 7.

Most of the horses entered were in one of the races that were cancelled last Saturday due to the bizarre accident in the sixth race when Private Mambo lost her rider leaving the gate, then proceeded to run out of control into the atrium adjoining the winner’s enclosure. Dave Dahl, who was in the atrium when Private Mambo hit it with a full head of steam, is reportedly doing well after being treated for internal injuries and broken ribs. Dahl is a longtime employee in the security department at Hastings.

Kwik figures to be favored off of his impressive 4 3/4-length win over Trick of the North July 1. Trick of the North came back to upset Spaghetti Mouse in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Classic last Monday. Kwik’s other win this year was in a $17,500 claiming race June 4. Last year he captured the Richmond Derby Trial. In his only race longer than 1 1/16 miles he finished last in the Grade 3 Premiers to close out his 2009 season.

Meaux Power could have a slight advantage with his tactical speed, and he has run well at the distance, finishing third to Ganbei in an allowance race on the closing day of the 2009 Hastings meet. He also figures to move forward off of his third-place finish behind Kwik in his first route of the year. He had gone unplaced in two sprints at the current meet.