'Kat' makes 3-year-old debut

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Undefeated Avenging Kat makes her 2005 debut in Saturday's $40,000 CTHS Sales Stakes,

fillies division, at Hastings. The 6 1/2-furlong feature also drew Backseat Becka, last year's local 2-year-filly champ. Backseat Becka comes into the race off a second-place finish in the Emerald Downs Handicap at Hastings on May 29. After the Knight and All Round Cowgirl will also attract some attention in the eight-horse field.

Avenging Kat scored an impressive 4 1/4-length victory when she debuted on the 3 1/2-furlong Nursery Course last September. Avenging Kat proved she could carry her speed 6 1/2 furlongs in her next start, beating Backseat Becka by 1 1/2 lengths in the $106,000 Sadie Diamond Futurity on Oct. 2. Following the Futurity, it was discovered that Avenging Kat had chips in one of her ankles and over the winter she had surgery to remove the chips.

According to her trainer, Felimon Alvarado, that's the main reason it's taking her this long to return.

"She's been ready for a few weeks now, but we haven't been able to get her into a race," he said.

Backseat Becka, owned and trained by Terry Clyde, ran a dull race in her first 3-year-old start, finishing fourth as the favorite in the Fair Lady Stakes on April 17. Backseat Becka looked like her old self with a fast-closing second in the Emerald Downs Handicap on May 29. With plenty of speed expected, she figures to be a major factor during the latter stages of the race.