Hold the Giant gets class relief in sprint

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Hold the Giant will appreciate the class relief when he runs in a $25,000 claiming race that will serve as Sunday’s feature at Hastings. He is also the speed of the speed in the 6 1/2-furlong dash, which drew eight older horses.

A horse who wants to be involved early, Hold the Giant was up against it when he drew post 9 in the 11-horse $50,000 Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural on April 22. With plenty of speed drawn inside of him in the 6 1/2-furlong race, it was likely that he was going to have a hard time on the first turn. When he got fanned out five wide on the turn, his race was over.

A stakes winner at Northlands Park as a 2-year-old, Hold the Giant went into the Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural off a couple of strong outings last winter at Parx and Tampa Bay Downs for trainer Miguel Vera. He was forwardly placed when he won a $20,000 claimer at Parx on Nov. 26, and he set the pace before settling for second in a $32,000 optional claimer won by next-out winner Rafting at Tampa on Jan. 3.

Rafting received a 90 Beyer Speed Figure for his win in a $75,000 optional-claiming race Feb. 10 and a 97 for his runner-up finish in the $100,000 Challenger Stakes on March 10.

Hold the Giant was making his first start for trainer Craig MacPherson in the Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural, and while the race was a debacle for him, it should serve as a useful prep. He drew post 2 for Sunday’s race and could be gone if he breaks alertly with Denis Araujo retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Hold the Giant, by Hold Me Back
Last 3 Beyers: 62-74-82

◗ He could be the one they have to run down, but he is versatile and should be fine if he doesn’t clear early.

Coulterberry, by Finality
Last 3 Beyers: 76-73-73

◗ He won a $16,000 claimer in his first start this year April 21, and runner-up Mighty Fraser was victorious at the same level two weeks later.

◗ With a five-furlong move in 59.30 seconds last Sunday, it looks like Coulterberry is ready for another strong effort.

◗ Trained by Mark Cloutier, he does his best running late, and there will be speed coming back to him.

All Under Control, by Storm Victory
Last 3 Beyers: 75-75-75

◗ After doing the heavy lifting early, he was game while losing by a neck to Corky’s Luck in a $25,000 optional-claiming race April 29.

◗ Trained by Mike Anderson, he could be dangerous if he can avoid getting into a duel with Hold the Giant.

Twistgrips, by Benchmark
Last 3 Beyers: 73-74-76

◗ Trained by John Snow, the classy 9-year-old should appreciate the shape of the race and moves to the distance of eight of his nine wins.