Hastings: Jebrica relishes longer distance in Premier's

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Led by Jebrica, Emerald Downs-based horses swept the first three spots in the $100,000 Premier’s at Hastings on Sunday.

With Russell Baze aboard, Jebrica came from off the pace to edge Winning Machine by a half-length in the 1 3/8-mile feature for 3-year-olds and up. Assessment finished third in the 12-horse field. Jebrica was sent off as the favorite and paid $7.60.

Jebrica was coming off a second-place finish in the Grade 3, 1 1/8-mile British Columbia Derby in his first start at Hastings on Sept. 11.

“I think the distance was a major factor between his second in the derby and his win today,” said Baze. “A start over the track can’t be discounted. He was very relaxed the whole way and just galloped them to death. He has a big long stride and the distance suited him perfectly. “

Trainer Jim Penney was optimistic going into the race.

“I was confident he could get the distance but I wasn’t sure if he could beat the type of field he was facing today,” said Penney.

The final time was 2:17.76

Orchid’s Silver was a huge overlay in the Grade 3, $100,000 Ballerina for fillies and mares. Despite just missing in the $50,000 Delta Colleen in her last start, she was completely overlooked in the wagering, paying $55.90 for her win over Class Included in the 1 1/8-mile co-feature.

With Isaias Cardenas aboard, Orchid’s Silver only had one horse beat with three furlongs to go in the 10-horse field. She split horses while making her move on the stretch turn and then wore down Class Included ,who had taken over the lead at the top of the stretch.

“She just exploded when I asked her to run,” said Cardenas.

B.C Oaks winner Class included was favored, but appeared to be a bit too eager early.

“She was a little too keen to go on today,” said Baze. “She settled down for me going into the second turn but I think she used herself up a bit during the early part of the race.”

Trained by Lenore Dubois, Orchid’s Silver earned $60,000 for her owners Nick and Pauline Felicella, who claimed her for $12,500 last year.

Herbie D. completely dominated the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings paying $2.40 as the heavy favorite in the six-horse field.

Chad Hoverson put the Robert Gilker-trained Herbie D. on the lead early in the 1 1/16-mile race and he was never threatened as he cruised to a 5 ½-length win over Yo Claudio. Too Much Dirt made a late move to finish third.

The final time was a brisk 1:44.23.