Giesbrecht has a pair of live ones

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Trainer Lance Giesbrecht will send over very live horses in both division of the CTHS Sales Stakes on Saturday at Hastings. Both races are at 6 1/2 furlongs and worth $60,000. The Sales Stakes are a precursor to the British Columbia Division of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society's yearling and mixed sale, scheduled for Tuesday at the Thunderbird Show Park in Langley.

Alabama Rain, a Giesbrecht trainee, is an absolute standout in the colts division. A son of Vying Victor, he was an easy winner over Speed Victor in the New Westminster Stakes on Aug. 22, and the manner in which he won suggests he has a bright future. He rated nicely behind a contested pace. He engaged the leaders approaching the stretch turn and quickly accelerated and cruised to a widening four-length victory.

Giesbrecht also has a good shot in the filly division with After the Knight, also by Vying Victor. She was sent off as the 7-5 favorite in the Lassie Stakes, but she broke poorly and never really got into the race. She drew the rail, and with her speed she could be tough to catch if she breaks alertly.

It's a very competitive race, though. Backseat Becka, winner of the B.C. Cup Debutante, is entered, and she has had three solid works since the Debutante.

Astromaticat also looks dangerous. She had a rough trip finishing second to After the Knight in her debut and then bled in the Debutante. She will race on Lasix for the first time Saturday.