Five Point Star tries stretchout

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Five Point Star will try to carry his speed 1 1/16 miles in the feature race at Hastings Sunday, an allowance race for 3-year-olds that have not won a stakes worth $20,000 or more in 2003.

Five Point Star, who races for his breeder and trainer, Bruce Unwin, is one of the top sprinters on the grounds, and was brilliant winning his last race by seven lengths in a very fast 1:16.05 for 6 1/2 furlongs Sept. 27. He also won a $50,000 optional sprint in June, and was stakes placed behind Illusive Force in the City of Vancouver Stakes May 10.

There is not much doubt about his ability to sprint, but he has come up short in his two tries at a middle distance. Both times he tried to stretch out he was facing stakes company, though, and while the horses he'll be facing Sunday are tough, they're not in the same league as Stratoplan and B.C. Derby winner Roscoe Pito.

Weepinbell also looked good winning his last race, a 1 1/16-mile $50,000 optional event Oct. 13. He finished 8 1/4 lengths behind Five Point Star the last time they met, but that was at 6 1/2 furlongs, and he could have the edge Sunday.

Orchid's Spirit has been pointed to this race since winning a $50,000 optional race at 1 1/16 miles Sept. 13. He also won a $50,000 optional sprint two starts ago, and figures to be the closest to Five Point Star during the early stages of the race.

Woody's Dancer is taking a step up in class after two wins for $15,000, but he has the best Beyer Speed Figure at the distance and should appreciate the likely quick pace.