Hall seeks meaningful victory in George Royal Stakes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – It would be appropriate for trainer Phil Hall to win the $50,000 George Royal Stakes at Hastings on Sunday. After all, Hall’s father, the late Bobby Hall, owned and trained George Royal, who is by far the best horse ever bred in British Columbia.

And who can forget George Royal’s dramatic win in the 1966 San Juan Capistrano, where legendary rider John Longden brought him from well back to win the 1 3/4-mile race on turf at Santa Anita? It was Longden’s last ride.

“I wasn’t alive then,” Hall said. “But George Royal has always been a big part of my life.”

Hall grew up at his parents’ farm, Emerald Acres, in Aldergrove, B.C.

“My mom [Ann] and dad called Emerald Acres ‘the house that George built,’ ” Hall said. “I would really like to win this race.”

Hall has an excellent chance of winning the 6 1/2-furlong sprint that drew six horses. His best chance is with Distinctiv Passion, who won the $50,000 Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural in his first start for Hall on April 23. The Grade 3-winning sprinter is owned by Peter Redekop.

Hall owns Lord Vancouver, who is making his first start since he lost by a nose to Stanz in Command in the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes on Oct. 1. Lord Vancouver will be a longshot. Distinctiv Passion will be the favorite.

Following his impressive win, Distinctiv Passion came back to work a bullet five furlongs in 58.40 seconds last Sunday.

“He’s good to go,” Hall said. “I was happy with his work, and if he runs back to his race in the Inaugural, he should be tough to beat.”

Distinctiv Passion drew post 4, with Enrique Gonzalez retaining the mount.

Modern, the only horse in the field who could put early pressure on Distinctiv Passion, won the George Royal for trainer Dino Condilenios in 2015 and 2016.

KEY CONTENDERS

Distinctiv Passion, by With Distinction
Last 3 Beyers: 89-86-96

◗ He is going for his fourth consecutive win, and judging by his sharp work last Sunday, Hall has him primed for another big effort.

Modern, by Tiznow
Last 3 Beyers: 85-61-85

◗ Seems to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he tries to run with Distinctiv Passion, he’ll probably get fried. If he sits just off him, like he did in the Inaugural, it will be tough for any of them to catch the favorite.

Bistraya, by Haynesfield
Last 3 Beyers: 80-81-91

◗ He will be making his first start at Hastings for trainer Robert Gilker. The last time he ran in a sprint, he earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure for winning a $40,000 optional-claiming race going seven furlongs on a sloppy track at Santa Anita on Jan. 17.