Hastings: Pretty Reckless looks ready to tackle winners

V ANCOUVER, British Columbia – Pretty Reckless looks like the one to beat when she makes her second lifetime start in a first-level allowance race that will serve as Saturday’s feature at Hastings. If she takes the slightest step forward following her impressive debut, Pretty Reckless is going to be a handful in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for fillies and mares that drew six horses.

Pretty Reckless looked like a seasoned veteran when she debuted going 6 1/2 furlongs in an optional $30,000 maiden claiming race Aug. 4. She broke sharply with Richard Hamel aboard but rated kindly while sitting a couple of lengths off of L D’ Rado Gold, who was setting a fast pace. When Hamel called on her to tackle the lone front-runner, Pretty Reckless immediately responded and the race was over on the stretch turn. With little encouragement from Hamel, she finished full of run to win by 4 1/2 lengths over L D’ Rado Gold, who held on to finish a clear second.

A 3-year-old filly by Finality, Pretty Reckless posted a fast time of 1:16.92 and earned a 75 Beyer Speed Figure, which is higher than any of her rivals on Saturday have ever earned. She could bounce coming back in just 13 days for her second start, but Hamel appeared to have a lot of horse left when he was looking around for challengers midstretch, so there is a good chance she’s ready to handle the jump in class.

Antonio Reyes picks up the mount from Hamel, who is at Northlands Park to ride Reporting Star in the Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby.

Vinoterra looks like the main threat, and the speedy 4-year-old daughter may have tipped her hand when she worked a bullet five furlongs in 58.80 seconds last Sunday. Trained by Barbara Heads, Vinoterra dueled with Saturday Nite Ride before tiring to finish third in a similar race June 30. Saturday Nite Ride came back to win the $50,000 Madamoiselle with an 80 Beyer at Northlands Park on Aug. 2 and will likely be favored in the $50,000 City of Edmonton Distaff Handicap at Northlands on Saturday.

Vinoterra figures to be involved right from the start with leading rider Amadeo Perez riding.

Bamboo Dream, a stakes winner as a 2-year-old last year, will try and rebound following a dull effort in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Dogwood on Aug. 5.

Grafitti Grace is back with fillies following a solid effort in a first-level allowance race July 27.

Kataliah and Honey Skila complete the field.