Invaders beginning local efforts

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The expected late-season invasion by Emerald Downs-based horses begins in earnest at Hastings on Friday. The Emerald Downs season ends on Sept. 28. According to officials at Hastings, quite a few trainers at Emerald have expressed interest in shipping their horses to Vancouver.

The feature race at Hastings on Friday, a $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up, attracted eight horses, and three are making the trip from Seattle up Interstate 5.

Trained by Charles Essex, Diligent Prospect should receive a lot of betting support in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint. A Florida-bred 6-year-old horse, Diligent Prospect was overmatched when he ran in the Longacres Mile on Aug. 17. He fits with this group, however. In his previous race, he just missed in a $40,000 claiming race at Emerald Downs on Aug. 2. He also has had experience at Hastings, finishing third in a $35,000 optional race won by a very tough Soldiers Joy on June 14.

Essex has also entered Morgan's Money, who has won 4 of his 9 starts this year for earnings of $25,348.

Trainer Richard Wright is also making the trip north with Adevilhisdue. In his most recent start, Adevilhisdue was unplaced in a one-mile allowance race on Aug. 17. He finished just behind Diligent Prospect in the Aug. 2 race.

Victim of Love is clearly the fastest horse in the race, and he could be tough to catch if he clears early.