Condilenios, Swift Thoroughbreds sweep co-featured stakes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Modern paid $16.20 and gave trainer Dino Condilenios and owners Swift Thoroughbreds Inc. back-to-back stakes wins with a gutsy win over Title Contender in the $50,000 George Royal Stakes at Hastings on Sunday. The popular owner-trainer combo also won the $50,000 Brighouse Belles for fillies and mares with Rather Beautiful.

With Richard Hamel aboard, Modern broke alertly and dueled with favored Herbie D while posting fractions of 21.91 and 44.18 seconds in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint that drew nine horses. He put away Herbie D at the top of the stretch and then was very game while holding off second choice Title Contender by a neck. Devil in Disguise rallied to finish third.

“He’s just starting to enjoy being a race horse,” said Condilenios of the 5-year-old Kentucky-bred Modern. “When I got him as a 3-year-old he was pretty nervous, but he‘s learned to relax. I was proud of him today. I thought he was dead at the top of the stretch. “

The final time was 1:16.19

Rather Beautiful ($11.80) overcame a track that clearly favored speed the first two days of the meet to win the 6 1/2-furlong Brighouse Belles by two lengths over Hollywood Miss. She was ridden by Rico Walcott, who became dehydrated and booked off his remaining mounts immediately following the race.

Walcott had Rather Beautiful sitting mid-pack while Hollywood Miss was pressured by Arabella’s Muse through a quick quarter mile of 21.88 seconds. She started to make a strong three-wide move heading down the backstretch, and was in full flight going around the stretch turn. She took control of the race in midstretch and drew away impressively. Arabella’s Muse held on to finish third.

The final time was a quick 1:15.79.