Hastings: Pigtails finds a better spot

Pigtails should appreciate the class relief when she runs in a first-level allowance race for fillies and mares at Hastings Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile feature drew seven horses, and only Pigtails and One Bad Romance are winners at the distance.

Trained by Dino Condilenios, Pigtails paid a whopping $39.70 when she came from off the pace to upset the $52,000 Fantasy going 1 1/16 miles last September and this will be her first route attempt since then. She is coming off a last-place finish going 6 1/2 furlongs in the $50,000 Emerald Downs but she was given a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 64.

Condilenios is hoping for a good effort Saturday.

“I really like her because she tries hard every time,” said Condilenios. “We thought about dropping her in for a price but she is still eligible for this condition, and while she might not be able to keep up with the top fillies on the grounds I think she’ll look pretty good with B.C.-breds in the Dogwood on B.C. Cup Day.”

One Bad Romance will be making her first start at Hastings for trainer Elizabeth Stolzenberg, who claimed her in California off Mike Mitchell for $30,000 May 22. One Bad Romance seems to handle any surface. In her last start she won a key $30,000 maiden claiming race for over a synthetic track at Hollywood Park and she also came close in her lone try on grass, losing by a head in a $40,000 maiden claiming race at Santa Anita April 15. In her two previous starts she finished second on the dirt main track at Santa Anita. “When she came up from California she was awfully tired and she got off her feed a bit, so we backed off of her,” said Stolzenberg. “I think the rest did her good. She should be plenty fit coming off three races going long. Claiming off of Mike Mitchell can be pretty tough, but she seems to be doing very well right now.”

Tecolote has improved in a hurry for trainer Dave Forster. After a dull performance in her first start of the year, she won a $10,000 maiden claiming race May 8 and came back to beat $12,500 open claimers May 29. In her first time going long, she finished second to Belle Evangeline in a $50,000 optional race June 12.

Indy Beauty cruised to a six-length win over easier in her first start of the year and could be dangerous if she clears early.