Hastings: Goldfire primed for peak effort in route

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Goldfire appears to be sitting on a big race and there should be plenty of speed to set up his good late move when he runs in a $7,500 claiming race at Hastings on Sunday. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and goes as the eighth race.

Trained by Barbara Heads, Goldfire rallied to finish second behind former Grade 3 winner Tommy Danzigger in a similar race June 30 and then came back to fire a bullet when he worked four furlongs in 47 seconds July 14. The 6-year-old Goldfire is heading in a positive direction and has an excellent chance of winning his first race since he rallied from last to win a second-level allowance race going 7 1/2 furlongs on turf at Turf Paradise last Dec. 21.

After not making much of an impact in his first two races sprinting at the current meet Goldfire rallied to finish third in a $15,000 claiming race June 2 and took another step forward in his latest race.

Richard Hamel was aboard for his win at Turf Paradise and takes over the mount from Frank Fuentes, who will be riding Joy of the Lord.

Joy of the Lord could also be coming up to a big race. He chased an honest pace and held on well to finish second in a $10,000 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs July 1 in his second start this year. Joy of the Lord certainly won’t mind the move to a distance where he has five wins and it is interesting to see Fuentes bail on Goldfire to ride him.

Joy of the Lord drew post 2 and Fuentes figures to put him into the race right from the start.

There is other speed in the field, however, especially Say Fabulous, who forced the pace in back-to-back races but couldn’t hold off Toccet’s Charm. The first time was in an $7,500 claiming race going 1 1/8 miles and Toccet’s Charm nailed him again in a $10,000 claiming race going 1 1/16 miles July 7.

Sufi Dancer has good tactical speed and should get a perfect trip from just off Joy of the Lord and Say Fabulous. Trained by Monica Russell, Sufi Dancer stalked an honest pace before drawing off to win a $5,000 claiming race by 4 1/4 lengths July 6.

Yes He’s Trouble and Blade Scuffler complete the competitive field.