Feu Express likely choice off last win

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Feu Express, fresh off a win in the $66,000 CTHS Sales Stakes on Sept. 10, figures to be favored over four other 2-year-olds in the feature race at Hastings on Friday. The $50,000 optional race at 6 1/2 furlongs also drew Mighty Cahill, who won his debut by 11 1/4 lengths.

Feu Express, trained by Terry Jordan, was a 5 3/4-length winner over Yoodaman in the CTHS, and he finished a close second in the B.C. Cup Nursery Stakes on Aug. 1. He can be forgiven for finishing up the track in a $50,000 optional race Aug. 13 because he was bumped and squeezed back leaving the starting gate.

Feu Express was purchased by Bob Cheema out of the 2004 CTHS yearling sale for $8,000, and with earnings of $68,621, he has been a bargain. He is eligible to be claimed for $50,000 Friday.

Chad Hoverson has the call. He has been the main rider for Jordan all year; from 71 mounts, Hoverson has won 21 races and finished second 22 times.

Jordan also entered Buenisima, who is coming off a second-place finish to Langara Lass in the Lassie Stakes on Aug. 27.

The main threat is Mighty Cahill. Trained by Harold Barroby, Mighty Cahill was an easy winner in his debut in a maiden special weight race Sept. 5. He was entered in a similar race Friday but was scratched because "he had some mucus in his throat," according to Barroby.

Mount Cavell came from last to win her maiden and should appreciate the likely contested pace.