European noses out Slew’s Da Boss in CTHS Sales Stakes
VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Following a thrilling stretch drive, European emerged the winner of the colts and geldings division of the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes at Hastings Monday night. He paid $9.30 for his neck victory over Slew’s Da Boss in the 6 1/2-furlong dash.
In a blanket finish Slew’s Da Boss finished a nose in front of Weekend Wizard, who edged Wise Market by the same margin.
With leading rider Richard Hamel aboard, European stalked the early pace before moving into serious contention at the quarter pole. He took over the lead on the stretch turn, held a narrow advantage at the top of the stretch, and was able to repel a bid by Weekend Wizard in midstretch before holding off the late-closing Slew’s Da Boss. Wise Market held on well after setting honest fractions under pressure from Mr. Finch.
The final time was 1:18.37.
Hamel changed European’s path when he saw Weekend Wizard making his strong move outside of him.
“He settled nicely and moved when I asked him,” said Hamel. “He got a little lost when he made the lead, and needed company. So I decided to give it to him.”
European is trained by Dino Condilenios. The son of Cause to Believe was purchased by Swift Thoroughbred Inc. for $5,000 out of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society mixed sale in British Columbia last year.
Earlier on the card, David Lopez guided Brechin’s Command to a 1 1/4-length victory over Largo in the fillies division of the CTHS Sales Stakes.
She went off as the longest price in the three-horse field and paid $13.60. She posted a final time of 1:20.24.
A daughter of Second in Command, Brechin’s Command is trained by Greg Tracy and owned by Pooli Thorpoughbreds.
Tracy also trains Street Made who finished third as the 4-5 favorite.