In doubt? Then turn to Barroby

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The mix of horses entered in Hastings Park's featured race Sunday - an $11,000 optional race going 1 1/16 miles - presents handicappers with an interesting puzzle.

Starring Maudlin and Daring Dennis are both coming off strong efforts, but it's hard to say how they'll stack up against some horses in the race who are dropping in class following dull efforts.

Eleven horses have been entered, and the race will go as the last on an eight-race card.

When presented with a race that's as confusing as this one, it's always a good idea to check out whom leading trainer Harold Barroby has entered. His entry of Thurston and Im Five figures to attract plenty of support in the wagering.

Im Five looks like the better of the two. He's cutting back in distance after tiring in two races at 1 3/4 miles. He's making his second start for Barroby, who claimed him for himself and his wife, Sandra, for $11,000 on Oct. 5. Im Five's last win was over $11,000 claimers July 21 at the distance of Sunday's race, but his second to Eternal Secrecy in a $25,000 claiming race Sept. 21 would easily win this race. David Wilson will ride.

Daring Dennis won the last time he ran in an $11,000 claiming race, which came at 1 1/16 miles Oct. 19. He stepped up to $25,000 in his next start but finished sixth. Last Sunday he was sharp finishing second to Find Our Star in a $15,000 optional sprint. He closed well in that race after having to wait for a place to run around the stretch turn.

Starring Maudlin looked good wiring $8,000 optional horses Nov. 10.