'Halo' seeks third stakes win in row

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Halo Steven will be trying to win his third straight stakes race when he takes on six other 3-year-olds in the $75,000 Burnaby Breeders' Cup at Hastings Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile Burnaby goes as the seventh race.

At first glance, Halo Steven looks like a standout. After all, he's coming off of a front-running win in the $125,000 Alberta Derby on June 17, and was an easy winner of the Jim Coleman Province in his previous start here June 4. Both races were at 1 1/16 miles and in both cases he controlled the pace. Nevertheless, he could be vulnerable. With a very quick Luhuk's Dancer in the field, Halo Steven could be under pressure right from the start. Also, he's carrying high weight of 122 pounds.

A Florida-bred son of Halo's Image, Halo Steven will be making his first start since he was moved from Terry Jordan's barn to trainer Barb Heads.

Mighty Cahill is worth considering at what could be a decent price. Trained by Harold Barroby, Mighty Cahill finished behind Halo Steven in his last two starts, but both times he had wide trips from outside posts. Mighty Cahill drew the rail for the Burnaby, and with his tactical speed he should get a good trip from just off of what could be a hotly contested pace.

Outrageous Limit, who finished second to Halo Steven in the Province, had a rough trip in the Tacoma Handicap at Emerald Downs on July 2 and could rebound here. Chile's Quest brings sharp form from Arlington Park.