Invader may be vulnerable

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The most intriguing of the nine races scheduled at Hastings Sunday is the second. The seven 3-year-olds entered in the 6 1/2-furlong $15,000 claiming race appear to be evenly matched.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer could be sending over the favorite in Meetmeatthegrill. A California-bred, Meetmeatthegrill beat $32,000 maidens at Santa Anita March 4 and has the top Beyer Figure in the field. However, he was allowed to set very slow fractions in his maiden win, and with the speedy Dublin Grade breaking directly inside of him, he could be vulnerable.

In his most recent start, Meetmeatthgrill finished last after pressing the pace for the first six furlongs in a one-mile race for $16,000 claimers at Santa Anita April 4. He'll be ridden by Sam Krasner.

Dublin Grad also started his career in California, and in his only start there he finished last in a $40,000 maiden race at Hollywood Park in May of 2003. He was subsequently turned out for the rest of the year and resurfaced at Hastings in an $8,000 maiden race May 1, leading from gate to wire and paying $48.70 to win.

Typhoon David was moved up to first in his debut race versus $15,000 maidens April 24, and with two excellent half-mile works since he's certainly eligible to improve.

Rouge County won on the 3 1/2-furlong Nursery Course last June and tired when he tried stakes horses in his next start. He drew inside and could be part of the pace.

Double the Magic adds Lasix following a dull effort for $25,000 May 1.