MacPherson seeks magic from Weekend Wizard

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Craig MacPherson is looking for a big effort from Weekend Wizard in the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes on Monday at Hastings.

The 6 1/2-furlong dash for 2-year-old colts and geldings headlines an excellent card that includes a couple of stakes-quality allowance races for 3-year-olds and 3-year-old fillies.

The fillies division of the Sales Stakes starts the eight-race card at 5 p.m. Pacific. Just three horses entered, so there is only win wagering.

Street Made, third in the $62,000 Princess Margaret on July 29 at Northlands Park, could be gone if she breaks on top with Rico Walcott riding. The daughter of Street Boss is trained by Greg Tracy.

Weekend Wizard was purchased for $47,000 by Riversedge Racing Stables out of the 2016 CTHS British Columbia Sale.

He rallied to finish second as the favorite when he debuted in a 3 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race July 30. He appeared to break a step slow, and after gathering himself, he went wide on the turn.

“He actually broke okay, but he got pushed out by a horse to his inside,” MacPherson said. “He did well to finish second. I am hoping he will progress from there. “

Being the first foal out of Gosailgo, who won route stakes at Hastings and Emerald Downs, Weekend Wizard should appreciate the added distance.

“He has shown a fair amount of talent in the mornings and he should be fit enough to go 6 1/2 furlongs,” MacPherson said.

Weekend Wizard will break from post 2 in the eight-horse field, with Enrique Gonzalez retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Weekend Wizard, by Rosberg
Beyer: 58

◗ Despite a less-than-perfect start, he showed a lot of potential by finishing second in his debut. With a good break, he should get a nice trip from a forward position.

Slew’s Da Boss, by Cause to Believe
Beyer: 46

◗ The third foal out of six-time stakes winner Slewpast finished full of run to win his debut going six furlongs in a maiden special weight race for trainer Mel Snow on July 28.

◗ He is the only horse in the field with a win going around two turns, and considering the way he was running at the end of his narrow win over Wise Market, he should appreciate the extra sixteenth of a mile.

Wise Market, by Mass Market
Last 3 Beyers: 46-51-30

◗ Trained by Phil Hall, he was going around two turns for the first time when he got nipped at the wire by Slew’s Da Boss.

European, by Cause to Believe
Last 3 Beyers: 43-47-32

◗ He is coming off a third-place finish in the $50,000 Spaghetti Mouse on July 16, and his trainer, Dino Condilenios, has a 17 percent strike rate in 2-year-old stakes races at Hastings over the past five years.