Klondike tough race to call

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Seven 3-year-olds square off in the $40,000 Klondike Handicap at Hastings Sunday, and it's anyone's guess who will be favored in the 6 1/2-furlong race.

One Special Hoss will certainly attract some attention. He won both of his starts at the distance at 2 and is coming off of a very good effort in the six-furlong Auburn Stakes at Emerald May 1. A Washington-bred gelding, One Special Hoss battled through quick fractions and held on well to finish second, three lengths clear of the third-place finisher. He's trained by Ed Thompson and will be ridden by Cayetano Chaparro.

With two stakes wins and $136,784 in earnings, Alabama Rain is the most accomplished horse in the field. Trained by Lance Giesbrecht, Alabama Rain will be making his first start of the year. He looked very impressive working six furlongs in 1:13.80 on May 5. He broke off alone at the six-furlong pole but picked up horses at both the five-furlong and four-furlong poles, and ended up going three wide for most of the way. Pedro Alvarado will ride.

Hall Dancer has won both of his starts at the meet and in both cases he led from start to finish. He beat Spaghetti Mouse and Western Writer in a $75,000 optional race May 1, but he could be up against it with the speedy One Special Hoss in this field.

Spaghetti Mouse and Western Writer will certainly appreciate what figures to be a quick pace.