'Lord' tests win streak in sprint

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Joy of the Lord goes for his third straight win in Friday's feature race at Hastings. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds running for a top claiming price of $25,000 drew seven horses and goes as the seventh race.

Trained by Juan Olmos, Joy of the Lord had a perfect trip when he won a similar race July 12. With Fernando Perez in the irons, Joy of the Lord settled nicely behind Artic Star for the first half-mile. He took control of the race on the stretch turn and then drew off to win by 3 3/4 lengths. Artic Star held on well to finish a clear second.

A California-bred son of Lord Carson, Joy of the Lord figures to get another good trip behind what should be a fast and contested pace. Artic Star and Freequartersmine are both confirmed front-runners and they figure set the table for Joy of the Lord's good late kick.

Freequartersmine was an easy front-running winner of a $25,000 claiming race on June 28. He was claimed out of the race by trainer Steve Henson, and in his first start for his new connections, Freequartersmine set the pace before tiring to finish second behind Cabron in a $50,000 optional claiming race on July 13. Freequartersmine would likely be favored if Artic Star wasn't in the field. The likely duel with Artic Star will compromise his chances.

Alarico is looking to rebound after finishing fifth as the favorite in the same race Freequartersmine exits.