Hastings: Taylor trainess Prohibiting and Bridge Jumper look tough in New Westminster

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Troy Taylor has an excellent chance of winning his fifth straight stakes race at Hastings on Saturday. After all, he trains half of the six juveniles entered in the $50,000 New Westminster, including probable favorite Prohibiting and the very fast Bridge Jumper.

The six-furlong sprint for 2-year-olds goes as race 3 on an eight-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.

Taylor thinks Bridge Jumper is the quickest 2-year-old in his barn but the colt hasn’t raced since he won a $30,000 optional maiden claiming race going 3 1/2 furlongs May 13. On the other hand, Prohibiting is coming off a win over Lord Harlow going six furlongs June 23.

Prohibiting also proved he can pass horses when he rallied from fourth to run down Lord Harlow in the $40,000 optional maiden claiming race, and there should be an honest and contested pace in the New Westminster.

“I have to give the edge to Prohibiting right now,” said Taylor.

The Taylor threesome, which also includes first-time starter Major Dundee, will run as separate interests.

Prohibiting is owned by local radio talk show host Robert Marjanovich. Bridge Jumper and Major Dundee are owned by Glen Todd.

Trainer Greg Tracy has two horses entered, and he said he prefers Gambino over Tigger Town.

Tigger Town looks like the better horse. In his only start he earned a 61 Beyer Speed Figure when he finished second in a 3 1/2-furlong $40,000 optional maiden race June 15. Gambino finished second when he debuted in a $20,000 maiden claiming race going 3 1/2 furlongs July 1 and received a 44 Beyer.

“Gambino has a few more works behind him and is doing a little better right now,” said Tracy.

Lord Harlow has been competitive in all three of his starts, all for trainer Sylvea Gregory. A Kentucky-bred colt by Zanjero, Lord Harlow finished fourth in his debut, and the second- and third-place finishers both came back to win their next start. Marketway, who was second, also won the $50,000 Boulevard Casino for 2-year-old fillies last Sunday.

Lord Harlow held a half-length lead at the top of the stretch before losing to Prohibiting by the same margin June 23. He also gave up the lead late when he finished second behind I Want to Dust Her in a similar race July 2. Gregory is hoping he will stay focused with the addition of blinkers.