'Grande' tries to keep streak alive

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Lethal Grande will be looking for his third straight win when he tackles a tough group of older sprinters going 6 1/2 furlongs in the Hastings feature Saturday. The optional $50,000 claiming race drew eight horses. With the speedy Celt and My Master in the field, a lively pace is assured.

Lethal Grande is as honest as they come. He has won 18 of his 57 starts and has hit the board 37 times. Trained by Daryl Snow, Lethal Grande has plenty of speed, and when he makes the lead early he's nearly unbeatable. He's also versatile. In his win at this level April 15, he rallied from third. He figures to have a similar trip here.

David Wilson has the call.

Trainer Steve Henson scratched My Master out of a $35,000 claiming race last weekend because his registration papers hadn't arrived in time for the race. Henson sent the classy gelding out for a sharp six-furlong work in 1:13.20 Monday morning, and he appears on edge for a good effort in his comeback attempt on Saturday.

My Master hasn't raced since Dec. 5, 2004, when he finished a close third to subsequent Grade 1 winner and Breeders' Cup Sprint runner-up Taste of Paradise. If he comes back as good as he left, he'll be tough to beat.

Pedro Alvarado will ride My Master.

Celt drew the rail and is the one they'll be chasing. He set the pace before tiring to finish fifth in Lethal Grande's April 15 win.