Long Journey due for some luck

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - An unlucky Long Journey could be the one to beat in the feature race at Hastings Sunday. The $50,000 optional claiming race for 3-year-olds going 6 1/2 furlongs drew a full field of 10 horses and will go as the ninth race.

Trained by Steve Henson, Long Journey might have been best when he finished third in a similar race May 19. Breaking from the rail and saving ground the whole way, Long Journey appeared to be full of run approaching the quarter pole. He lost all of his momentum when he had to check sharply, though, and at one point he actually dropped back to last. He had to wait for room all the way around the turn and then he made a strong late run to get up for third.

There is plenty of speed in Sunday's race to set him up, and his jockey, Chad Hoverson, should be able to keep him in the clear from his outside post position.

Ronaldino and Fury's Allstar each was very impressive winning a maiden race in his last start.

In his second start, Ronaldino led from start to finish to win a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race by 3 1/2 lengths May 13.

Trainer Pat Jarvis had Fury's Allstar ready for a big effort when he made his debut in a $25,000 maiden claiming race May 20. Breaking sharply under Pedro Alvarado, Fury's Allstar went right to the front and drew off to win by 7 1/4 lengths.