Hastings: Century Union takes aim at the boys in New Westminster

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Fillies beating colts and geldings in an abbreviated sprint going 3 1/2 furlongs is one thing. Beating males in a more demanding distance of 6 1/2 furlongs is a more difficult assignment. Nonetheless, Century Union looks like the one to beat when she tackles the boys in the $50,000 New Westminster for 2-year-olds at Hastings, which drew seven horses.

Trained by Troy Taylor, Century Union romped to a 5 1/2-length win over Morris Glory when she debuted in a maiden special weight race going 3 1/2 furlongs May 8. She has worked smartly leading up to her second start, and since Taylor has three 2-year-old fillies entered in the Lassie on Saturday, he thought he would take a shot with Century Union in the New Westminster. Century Union is owned by a syndicate put together by Glen Todd.

“The syndicate also owns Sunnyside Gal, who everyone agrees is the better of the two and hopefully she can win the Lassie,” said Todd.

Todd, along with Patrick Kinsella, also has Herescomelucky entered in the New Westminster. Trained by Elizabeth Stolzenberg, Herescomelucky won a $20,000 maiden race for B.C-breds in his debut May 28. Kevah Nicholls rode both horses and he will be riding Century Union. Mario Gutierrez, who gets his choice of mounts from Todd, is aboard Herescomelucky.

“Mario said Elizabeth has done a great job with Herescomelucky and he was really impressed with his last work,” said Todd. “He’s not always right, though.”

Lord Henry and Ton of Pride figure to make late runs.

Trained by Sylvea Gregory, Lord Henry finished seven lengths behind Century Union in his debut and then closed a lot of ground to finish second in a six-furlong maiden special weight race June 19. He was later awarded first money when the winner tested positive for a banned substance.

Ton of Pride, trained by Harold Barroby, was very impressive when he finished second in a $20,000 maiden claiming race going 3 1/2 furlongs in his only start. He was starting to make a strong move at the quarter pole but had to check sharply and then was carried extremely wide. Despite the interference he finished full of run to get up for second.

Unquiet took a big step forward in his second start and should be involved right from the start.

Deputy’s Command and Action Jaxon round out the field.