Koffee Grinder scores in Chris Loseth Handicap

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Koffee Grinder paid $3.90 and established himself as the top 3-year-old in western Canada with an impressive 3 1/4-length win over Off the Top in the $50,000 Chris Loseth Handicap at Hastings on Tuesday.

Stretching out to 1 1/16 miles for the first time, Koffee Grinder stalked the pace while saving ground early, moved off the rail approaching the final turn, and after making a three-wide move around the turn, he took control of the race at the top of the stretch. Off the Top finished 2 1/4 lengths in front of Distillery.

Koffee Grinder was ridden by Richard Hamel, who wasn’t surprised by how well Koffee Grinder handled his first distance test.

“I’ve been waiting for him to stretch out,” said Hamel. “As soon as I got him some daylight, that was it. This is a real nice horse.”

The final time was a quick 1:43.98.

Koffee Grinder is trained by Craig MacPherson.

• In the co-featured Lieutenant Governors’ Handicap, Mr. Bowling got up in the last few strides to edge Title Contender by a half-length. He paid $6 as the second choice behind Title Contender, who was heavily favored to win the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up.

With Mario Gutierrez aboard, Mr. Bowling stalked a slow pace set by Modern, and it looked like he might be out of the race when he dropped back approaching the stretch turn. Modern held on to finish third.

“I don’t think Title Contender liked being under pressure when he was stuck on the rail behind the slow pace,” said Gutierrez. “When he forced his way out, he put my horse on his heels. Thankfully, he regrouped and finished full of run.”
The final time was 1:43.22.

Mr. Bowling is trained by Troy Taylor.

• There were two other stakes on the Canada Day card.

Madeira Park ($10) had just enough left to hold of Wando Woman by a head in the $50,000 Monashee Handicap for fillies and mares. The 8-5 favorite, Miss Derek, didn’t fire, finishing last in the 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares that drew seven horses.

The final time was 1:43.84. Madeira Park was ridden by Rico Walcott and is trained by Dave Forster.

• In the $50,000 Supernaturel for 3-year-old fillies, Frank Fuentes guided Arabella’s Muse to a one- length win over 7-5 favorite Ole’s Miss. She paid $9.70.

She covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.04. Arabella’s Muse is trained by Mike Anderson.