Hastings: McKinley Square makes first start for Condilenios in Friday sprint

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Dino Condilenios is hoping his success with horses previously owned by Darley Stable will continue when he runs McKinley Square in a $23,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds at Hastings on Friday night. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint drew seven horses and goes as race 6 on a seven-race card that begins at 7:15 p.m. Pacific.

In what has become an annual rite, McKinley Square was part of a package of horses Swift Thoroughbreds Inc. recently purchased from Darley. Horses from this year’s consignment have a combined record of 3-3-1 from 9 starts at the meet.

McKinley Square looks to add to the already strong totals. He is coming off a win over the 5-year-old gelding Gallant Eagle in a one-mile $15,000 nonwinners-of-two claiming race for 3-year-olds and up at Belmont Park on May 18. Due to recent purse increases, the New York circuit is tougher than ever and McKinley Square will find the going much easier here.

Gallant Eagle showed how tough the New York competition can be. After losing to McKinley Square and going unplaced in a $30,000 nonwinners-of-two at Belmont, Gallant Eagle shipped to Arlington Park where he romped by over 10 lengths in a $16,000 claiming race for horses looking for their second win.

McKinely Square is running with 3-year-olds only and has the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure in the field. He won a maiden special weight race at Aqueduct going six furlongs last December, so he won’t mind the move back to a sprint. He also gets in light with leading apprentice Marlo Dunn riding at 109 pounds.

Man Overboard will try and atone for his loss as the favorite in a similar race July 8. The horse that won the race was Three Point Play, a former Darley-owned horse making his first start for Condilenios.

Man Overboard rallied to win a $17,500 conditional claiming race June 3 in his first start for trainer Troy Taylor, who had claimed him for $12,500 on behalf of Glen Todd at Golden Gate on Feb. 17.

Sir Hayden has the best speed in the field and could be dangerous if he can get away on his own. Trained by Tracy McCarthy, Sir Hayden forced the pace and held on well to finish second behind Three Point Play on July 8. He also finished second in similar races May 26 and June 16.

Shintoism will appreciate the easier company after finishing fifth in the $50,000 Chris Loseth on July 2.

Lord Henry, Notis Sal and Mazel Print complete the field.