Distance a challenge for 'Request'

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The $75,000 Ascot Graduation, which is the final stakes race at Hastings this year, appears to be a wide-open event. What makes the 1 1/16-mile feature so difficult to handicap is that none of the nine 2-year-old colts and geldings who have been entered has ever gone farther than 6 1/2 furlongs.

Regal Request could end up as the favorite. A son of Queen's Plate winner Regal Intention, Regal Request has won his last two races and he appeared to have something left when he was drawing away from CTHS Sales Stakes winner Feu Express in an allowance race Oct. 10.

Trained by Allan Jack, Regal Request has tried stakes company twice. He finished second by a nose in the New Westminster Stakes Aug. 28 and lost by a length while finishing third in the British Columbia Cup Nursery Stakes Aug. 1. He will be ridden by David Wilson.

Sungold Wonder is the lone stakes winner in the race, and considering his breeding he shouldn't have any trouble stretching out. He's a full brother to 2003 British Columbia Derby winner Cruising Kat.

Sungold Wonder came from far back to score a huge upset in the Jack Diamond Futurity Oct. 2. He's trained by Barb Heads and will be ridden by Jorge Espitia.

Mighty Cahill could be dangerous if he gets loose on the lead. He won a maiden special by more than 11 lengths in his debut and then finished a distant third to Feu Express in an optional race.