Kiri's Gal could be long gone in Saturday claiming race

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Kiri’s Gal looks like the one to catch and beat in a $16,000 claiming race for fillies and mares Saturday at Hastings. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint drew five horses and goes as the first of seven races.

Also of interest is a maiden special weight race for 2-year-old fillies that features a rematch between Ambleside Park and Miss Hatter, the second- and third-place finishers Aug. 15 in the $50,000 Hard Rock Casino Handicap.

Trained by Craig MacPherson, Kiri’s Gal is coming off a front-running win in a $12,500 claiming race and should be able to handle the small jump in class. Prior to her sharp win, she finished second behind Hidden Harbor in back-to-back $16,000 claiming races going 6 1/2 furlongs.

She drew post 3 Saturday and shouldn’t have any trouble making the lead with usual rider Frank Fuentes aboard.

$16,000 claimer (race 1)

Key contenders

Kiri’s Gal (Last 3 Beyers: 70-72-60)

* An easy winner Aug. 22, she hasn’t finished worse than third in straight claiming races at the current meet. She should be gone if she breaks alertly. According to DRF ’s Formulator, over the past five years, MacPherson has a 21 percent strike rate with horses who won their previous start.

Lady Henrietta (Last 3 Beyers: 62-65-55)

* Trained by Sylvea Gregory, she drops to a new low and will appreciate the substantially easier company after trying to keep up with Grade 3 winner Madeira Park in a $50,000 optional-claiming race Aug. 29.

* She has good tactical speed and should get a nice trip with leading rider Amadeo Perez aboard.

Maiden special weight (race 6)

Key contenders

Ambleside Park (Last 2 Beyers: 32-40)

* A half-sister to three stakes winners, including Madeira Park, she lost by a head in the $50,000 Hard Rock Casino despite getting bumped on the first turn and also in the stretch.

* Trained by Dave Forster, she galloped out a strong five furlongs in 1:00.40 after her sharp four-furlong work in 48.40 seconds with Perez aboard last Sunday.

Miss Hatter (Last Beyer: 28)

* She dueled early and held on well to finish third when she debuted in the Hard Rock Casino for trainer MacPherson. She could be tough to catch with a race behind her.

Chic Bird (Last 2 Beyers: 52-14)

* She improved considerably in her second start going 3 1/2 furlongs for trainer John Morrisson. Her only sibling is a route winner, so she could take a big step forward in her first try in a two-turn sprint.