Distinctiv Passion uses speed to capture Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural
VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Distinctiv Passion set fast fractions on his way to one-length win over Venetian Mask in Sunday’s opening-day feature, the $50,000 Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural at Hastings.
With Enrique Gonzalez aboard, Distinctiv Passion broke sharply from post 7 in the 11-horse field. He quickly opened a clear lead and held a 2 1/2-length advantage over Modern after a quarter-mile in 21.75 seconds. He still looked comfortable after posting a rapid half-mile in 44.60. Distinctiv Passion was 1 1/2 lengths in front of Modern at the top of the stretch and never looked like losing as he held off a late move by Venetian Mask. Modern held on well to finish third.
Distinctiv Passion ($4) was making his first start for owner Peter Redekop, who claimed him out of a winning race at Santa Anita for $62,500 on March 30.
“He’s got a lot of speed but we didn’t know how he would handle the turns here,” said Redekop. “He didn’t seem to have any problems with them, though. He ran awesome.”
Distinctiv Passion was also making his first start for trainer Phil Hall.
The final time over a track rated sloppy was 1:16.38.
Earlier, David Lopez brought Dear Lilly from a stalking position to win the $50,000 Brighouse Belles for fillies and mares. She paid $4.90 for her one-length win over a very game Chianti in the 6 ½- furlong dash.
Breaking from the rail, Dear Lilly tracked Chianti and C U At Eau Claire for the first half-mile. Lopez moved her into serious contention while going three wide around the second turn. She collared Chianti at the top of the stretch and proved best in the closing strides. Castellani rallied to finish third.
It was Dear Lilly’s 13th win in 24 starts for owners Glen Todd and Mark Dedomenico. She is trained by Sandi Gann.
“She’s a quality horse and I had a perfect trip,” said Lopez.
The final time was 1:17.39.