Hastings: Longden win moves St Liams Halo to top of division

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – St Liams Halo moved to the top of the local handicap division with a convincing win in the $50,000 John Longden 6000 at Hastings on Monday.

With Mario Gutierrez, aboard, St Liams Halo stalked Spaghetti Mouse through moderate early fractions of 22.55 and 46.07 seconds. He took command of the race on the stretch turn and after opening up a clear lead in midstretch he posted a one-length victory over Almost Time, who edged Spaghetti Mouse for second. Final time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:16.35. St Liams Halo paid $5.50.

“He was very comfortable sitting second and I didn’t want to go head and head with Spaghetti Mouse,” said Gutierrez. “We went a little wide around the turns but I knew I had a lot of horse. By the time I said giddy-up he responded very well.”

Trained by Troy Taylor, St Liams Halo earned $30,000 for owners Glen Todd and Patrick Kinsella.