Hastings: Graffiti Grace gets rematch with Kataliah

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Graffiti Grace finished second to Kataliah when they met in a first-level allowance race on Aug. 17, but she could have the edge when they renew acquaintances in a similar race that will serve as Saturday’s feature at Hastings. The 6 1/2-furlong race for fillies and mares drew five horses and goes as the second race. Post time for the first of seven races is 1:50 p.m. Pacific.

Graffiti Grace broke sharply leaving rom the rail, but was immediately collared by Kataliah in their August meeting. They raced as a team the whole way, until Kataliah finally wore down Graffiti Grace to win by a half-length.

Trained by Robbie Anderson, Graffiti Grace has a couple of things going for her that might tip the scales in her favor Saturday.

What seemed like a hard race didn’t appear to take anything out of Graffiti Grace when she came back to work a bullet four furlongs in 46.60 seconds last Tuesday. The way she galloped out five furlongs in 59.80 suggests she is coming up to a big race. She also could be ready for a peak effort in the third start of her form cycle. Another plus is that Kataliah will be carrying 124 pounds, four more than when she edged Graffiti Grace.

Richard Hamel replaces Frank Fuentes as the rider of Graffiti Grace.

Kataliah, trained by Garry Saitz, wouldn’t be eligible for a first-level allowance race in another jurisdiction, but the conditions of the race allow for British Columbia-bred horses who haven’t won three races to participate.

Kataliah was overdue to win her last race. In her two previous starts, she finished third by a neck in a $17,500 claiming race for nonwinners of two Aug. 1 and second in a first-level allowance race June 30. Deputy’s Command, who won the Aug. 1 race, came back to win another conditional claimer for $17,500 going 1 1/16 miles. Kataliah’s second behind Saturday Nite Ride in the June 30 race was flattered when Saturday Nite Ride came back to win successive stakes races at Northlands Park, including the $75,000 City of Edmonton Distaff.

Kataliah drew the rail, where jockey Jeff Burningham might be forced to play his hand early.

Graffiti Grace and Kataliah dueled through a modest first quarter, and that didn’t help the chances of Bamboo Dream ,who came from last to finish third and is back on Saturday.

Trained by Patty Leaney, Bamboo Dream is looking for her first win since she won the $50,000 B.C. Cup Debutante more than a year ago.

Dee’s Dream just missed in a $25,000 claiming race June 25 and will be facing older fillies and mares for the first time.

Sitka Son completes the field.