Hastings: Late closer Iscar targets four straight wins
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Iscar saved the day for trainer Dino Condilenios and owner Swift Thoroughbreds when he got up just in time to edge Hockley in a $20,000 claiming race going 1 1/16 miles Sept. 2. His stablemate Stratify was sent off as the 9-5 favorite but lost his chance when he reared at the break and hit his head on the starting gate. Iscar was taking a big step up in price after winning a $7,500 claiming race Aug. 11 and paid $19.00. They are both back in what appears to be a highly contentious $20,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles that will serve as Saturday’s feature at Hastings.
Iscar will be trying to win his fourth straight race and should be one of the favorites in the seven-horse field. In all three of his wins, beginning July 21 in a $4,000 claimer for nonwinners of the year, he rallied from off the pace to win by a neck. Prior to his getting on a roll, Iscar hadn’t won a race since he captured a $30,000 conditional claiming race going one mile at Belmont Park last year on May 23. There should be an honest pace for him to work and he has a big chance of keeping his winning streak alive with Antonio Reyes retaining the mount.
Stratify was eased after hitting his head on the starting gate but he appeared to be completely recovered when he worked a sharp half-mile on Sept. 13. He has speed but in his best race going around three turns he rallied to finish third after getting away poorly in a 1 1/16-mile allowance race June 16. He tried but failed to keep up with Grade 3 winner Herbie D in the $50,000 Lieutenant Governors’ Handicap, and it will be interesting to see if Richard Hamel elects to put him in the race early or try to stalk what should be an honest pace.
Tommy Danzigger returns from Northlands Park where he set the pace before fading in the $100,000 Speed to Spare won by Senor Rojo. Trained by Rob Gilker, Tommy Danzigger won the B.C. Cup Starter Handicap going 1 3/8 miles in his previous start and could be dangerous if he breaks alertly from his inside post.
Hockley set the pace before grudgingly losing to Iscar last time.
Bearrock N Roll should make an impact from a stalking position.