Herbie D returns from lengthy layoff in George Royal Stakes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Herbie D hasn’t raced since he won the Grade 3 Longacres Mile on Aug. 18, 2013. Nonetheless, he is clearly the one to beat when he makes his return in the $50,000 George Royal Stakes on Sunday at Hastings.

Title Contender looks like the main threat to spoil Herbie D’s comeback in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up that drew nine horses.

Trained by Rob Gilker, Herbie D has been a gem of consistency, winning 10 of his 13 starts. The only time he finished worse than third was in the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby in 2011, when he was making just the fourth start of his career. Since then, he’s been all but unbeatable, winning eight times and finishing third once. In most races, he has been in front at every call.

Gilker is pleased with how Herbie D is coming up to the George Royal.

“He couldn’t be doing any better, but I really have no expectations,” said Gilker. “He’s been in training since early November, so I know he’s fit.”

Gilker does expect Herbie D to show his usual speed after breaking from post 5 with Antonio Reyes aboard.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Herbie D (Last 3 Beyers: 100-101-89)

◗ Easily the class of the field, he looked great when he worked a bullet five furlongs in 59.80 seconds with exercise rider Vicky Gilker aboard April 16. If he breaks on top, he’s probably gone.

Title Contender (Last 3 Beyers: 74-63-87)

◗ The 2013 British Columbia Derby winner won this race coming from a stalking position last year and should get a similar trip here.

◗ He was fried in the paddock before the Longacres Mile last year, so it is easy to toss the race. Adding to his appeal is that trainer Anita Bolton has won with her last six horses coming off a layoff of 180 days or more.

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Devil in Disguise (Last 3 Beyers: 76-80-78)

◗ Trainer Troy Taylor ranks him above Commander and Mr. Bowling, both of whom he also entered.

◗ Devil in Disguise hasn’t won in more than 2 1/2 years, but he lost by a head in this race in 2013, and he’s been a sharp horse this spring. He also has the best Beyer Speed Figure at the distance aside from Herbie D.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: It is also encouraging to see jockey Aaron Gryder accept the call, as he has won with 28 percent of his mounts for Taylor at Hastings over the past three years.