Holly's Last Call stretches out to middle distance
VANCOUVER, B.C. – How good is Holly’s Last Call? Trainer Craig MacPherson wants a positive answer when he runs her for the first time in an optional $35,000 claiming race at Hastings on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares drew six horses and headlines a seven-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.
Acting on behalf of Claymore Barns, MacPherson claimed the lightly raced 4-year-old filly for $16,000 on May 15. Racing for trainer John Snow, she was the easiest of winners in her first start of the year in a $4,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two April 24. She also romped when Snow jumped her up to run in a $16,000 claiming race for nonwinners of three that MacPherson haltered her out of.
Holly’s Last Call will stretch out to a middle distance for the first time Saturday. MacPherson hopes she can handle not only the distance but what is a big move up in class.
“She is obviously fast, and we are going to find out just how much class she has,” MacPherson said. “She’s bred to go long, so she should get the distance. It came up a bit tougher than I was expecting though.”
Leading rider Richard Hamel picks up the mount and likely will put her into the race soon after she breaks from post 5.
Trainer Mark Cloutier is hoping Ole’s Miss can find the form that saw her win four stakes, including the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks, as a 3-year-old in 2014. She hasn’t won since she edged Irish Lyric by a head in the Oaks.
In her only start this year, she finished fifth in an optional $50,000 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs.
KEY CONTENDERS
Holly’s Last Call, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 80-68-47
◗ She was impressive working this spring and ran to her works, romping in both of her starts over easier company.
◗ She is bred for the distance and should get a nice trip from a forward position.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, MacPherson has a 26 percent strike rate with horses going a mile or longer the first time.
Ole’s Miss, by Officer
Last 3 Beyers: 60-58-66
◗ She will appreciate the move to a route, and there is enough speed to set up her good late move.
Majestic Presence, by Majestic Warrior
Last 3 Beyers: 61-69-59
◗ Trained by Troy Taylor, she was fighting a virus when she ran a dull race in the $50,000 Vancouver Sun. Her sharp work June 5 suggests she’s healthy now, and she does own the best Beyer Speed Figure at the distance.