Hastings: Couldabenthewhisky wins Jim Coleman Province

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Emerald Downs-based Couldabenthewhisky came from a stalking position to win the $50,000 Jim Coleman Province over an extremely sloppy track at Hastings Saturday. He paid $13.

With Gallyn Mitchell aboard, Couldabenthewhisky looked comfortable sitting just off of a three-horse duel for the first half-mile. He moved up to engage the leaders while going four wide around the stretch turn and then drew away in the stretch to win by 2 1/2 lengths over a late-running Inihisglory. Jump Up and Kissme, who battled with Bond James Bond and The Great Caper through early fractions of 22.12 and 45.34, held on to finish third. Final time for the 6 1/2 was 1:17.16.

“We got the trip I envisioned,” said Mitchell. “I just wanted a clear shot at the leaders, and when I asked him I knew they were in trouble.”

Trained by Bonnie Jenne, Couldabenthewhisky was making his first start of the year. He was the champion 2-year-old in Washington in 2010.
The 8-5 favorite Bond James Bond tired to finish fifth. It was the first loss in his six-race career.