Its Finally Friday looks to be lone speed in claiming sprint

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Its Finally Friday could be tough to catch when he runs in a $16,000 claiming race on Saturday at Hastings. Go for Guinness and Devil in Disguise look like the ones with the best chances of reeling in the speedy 4-year-old in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up that drew seven horses.

Trained by Anita Bolton, Its Finally Friday is coming off a front-running win in a similar race Aug. 2. With Pedro Alvarado aboard, he set extremely fast fractions while under pressure before drawing off on the stretch turn. He held a three-length lead going into the stretch and was never threatened by Iscar, who rallied to finish second.

Acting on behalf of Nick and Pauline Felicella, Bolton had claimed Its Finally Friday for the same price July 1. He earned a career-best 78 Beyer Speed Figure for his sharp win in his first start for her. Being the only pure speed in the field, he has an excellent chance of doubling up for his new connections.

Its Finally Friday will break from the outside post, with Alvarado retaining the mount.

Go for Guinness is going for the hat trick, and the 82 Beyer he received for his win going 1 1/16 miles in a $16,000 claiming race Aug. 31 is the best last-race figure in the field.

Trained by Dave Forster, the former stakes winner came from a stalking position to win a $12,500 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs in his previous start.

KEY CONTENDERS

Its Finally Friday (Last 3 Beyers: 78-68-73)

◗ A sharp winner in his first start for Bolton, he could be gone if he breaks on top.

◗ Bolton also entered Burnum, who is making his first start this year and might need a race.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Bolton has a 22 percent strike rate with claimed horses making their second start for her.

Go for Guinness (Last 3 Beyers: 82-74-55)

◗ As evidenced by his rising Beyers, the homebred 5-year-old is trending in the right direction, and he has enough speed to stay within range of Its Finally Friday early.

Devil in Disguise (Last 3 Beyers: 75-76-75)

◗ Trained by Troy Taylor, he is dropping to a new low after finishing a disappointing fourth as the even-money favorite going 1 1/16 miles in a $25,000 claiming race Aug. 28.

◗ He has never won sprinting, but the 94 Beyer he earned for finishing second in the $50,000 George Royal Stakes in 2013 is the top figure at the distance in the field.