Krissy brings winning pedigree, strong form into allowance

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Dino Condilenios is hoping for big things from Krissy, who looks like the one to beat in an allowance race for nonwinners of two or British Columbia-bred nonwinners of three at Hastings on Saturday. The 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3- and 4-year-old fillies drew five horses and goes as race 2 on a seven-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.

One of the reasons Condilenios is hoping Krissy develops into a decent horse is that he owns and bred the first foal out of her dam, the five-time sprint winner Ouch. Krissy didn’t win last year as a 2-year-old, but she showed promise with a 0-2-3 record from five starts, including a third-place finish in the $100,000 Sadie Diamond Futurity.

In her only start this year, she was an impressive winner as the favorite in a maiden special weight race May 5. With Amadeo Perez aboard, she set honest fractions on her way to a four-length victory over second choice Amazonian.

“She was fighting shins all last year,” said Condilenios. “They didn’t seem to be bother her when she was training, but after every race they came back warm. She is 100 percent right now, and like her dad she doesn’t want to lose. It is pretty exciting owning a horse that appears to have a lot of potential.”

Her dad is Pop Artist, who won a $100,000 maiden claimer in his debut at Belmont. After being bought privately by Swift Thoroughbreds Inc., he won 11 sprints at Hastings with Condilenios as his trainer.

“He hasn’t bred many mares, but so far all of his foals can run a bit,” said Condilenios. “Krissy is a June foal, so she is just starting to mature.”

Krissy will break from the inside post under Perez.

KEY CONTENDERS

Krissy, by Pop Artist
Last 3 Beyers: 70-46-39

◗ The 70 Beyer for her easy win May 5 is the best in the field, and she could be tough to reel in if she breaks on top from her inside post.

Lookout Taylor, by Gayego
Last 3 Beyers: 62-62-56

◗ Trained by Christine Ammann, she will appreciate the class relief after finishing fifth in the $50,000 Brighouse Belles on May 4, and should move forward in her second start as a 4-year-old.

◗ She does her best running late, and there should be speed coming back to her.

Sharp Contrast, by Bellamy Road
Last 3 Beyers: 56-36-40

◗ Trained by Mark Cloutier, she ran well as a fresh horse last year, and her sharp six-furlong move May 10 suggests she is primed for another strong effort off the bench. Adding to her appeal is the Formulator Fact that over the past five years Cloutier has a 25 percent strike rate and a $2.09 ROI with horses returning from a layoff of 180 days or more.