Hastings: Avulsion tries stakes in River Rock Casino

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – With the likely defection of Dollarwaitnonadime, Avulsion, Jump Up and Kissme, and Inhisglory look like the main players in the $50,000 River Rock Casino at Hastings Sunday. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds drew seven horses, but according to trainer Greg Tracy, Dollarwaitnonadime developed a temperature and will not make the trip from Northlands Park.

Avulsion will be trying stakes company for the first time and he could end up being a slight favorite. Trained by Troy Taylor, Avulsion was an impressive winner as the heavy favorite in his last two starts. He set the pace and then drew off to win a maiden special weight race by 3 3/4 lengths May 1 and then stalked the pace before winning a $75,000 optional claiming race by two lengths May 22.

The understated Taylor’s tepid endorsement of Avulsion is a good sign he is coming up to a big race.

“I don’t know how good the horses are that he’s running against, but he seems to be okay,” said Taylor. “He’s training well enough.”

Mario Gutierrez rides on Sunday. He was aboard for all three of Avulsion’s starts at Hastings, including a second-place finish behind Quilchena Park April 17.

Jump Up and Kissme has some speed and could be the one Avulsion will be stalking or possibly dueling with. Trained by Phil Hall, Jump Up and Kissme won both of his races at 2, including the $53,000 B.C. Cup Nursery. In his first start this year forced an honest pace while going three wide in the Jim Coleman Province and then held on well to finish third. He could take a big step forward with a race under his belt, and he has also had a couple of solid interim works.

Usual rider Kevah Nicholls retains the mount.

Inhisglory made a strong impression in his first start at Hastings when he closed with a rush to finish second in the Jim Coleman Province. Trained by Craig MacPherson, Inhisglory has won 3 of his 6 starts, including a win over Banjammer and Bluegrass Dreamer in the $50,000 Turfway Park Prevue Jan. 8. According to MacPherson Inhisglory has trained forwardly following his second in the Province and he is expecting a good performance Sunday. His lack of speed could be a concern in a race where they might not be going too fast early, however.

Hornblower, Whistler Gold and Goldfire will need to improve to make a serious impact.