Indy Lead drops into win spot

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The last time Indy Lead won was April 19, 2003 when he led from start to finish to win a second-level allowance race at Keeneland. Indy Lead doesn't have a lot of speed now, but it looks like he has a very good chance of winning the seventh race at Hastings Friday evening. The $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up drew a field of seven.

This will be the first time Indy Lead has run in a straight claiming race, and he should be one of the favorites. Streak of Light and Tacky appear to be the ones to beat.

An 8-year-old son of A.P. Indy, Indy Lead is the top money earner in the race. He's earned $243,853 by picking up minor shares, mostly in stakes and high-priced optional claiming races. Trained by Barb Heads, Indy Lead is coming off of a fourth-place finish in a $45,000 optional claiming race July 3 and should move forward in his second start this year. Mario Gutierrez will ride Indy Lead.

The other six horses in the field are all coming out of a $25,000 claiming race July 9 won by Joyride.

Tacky, trained by Felimon Alvarado, made a strong late move to finish a close second and could be ready for a big effort in his second start following a layoff. Last year he was good enough to beat a very good Trick of the North, and he also ran well to finish fourth to Quiet Cash in the Great Canadian Handicap.