Meg Giry looks to move forward in sprint feature

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Meg Giry and Sailingforthesun were very impressive in winning maiden special weight races at Hastings in their first races as 3-year-olds. Something has to give when they meet in a first-level allowance race that will serve as Saturday’s feature. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint drew six horses, including last year’s $75,000 Fantasy winner, Ambleside Park.

Meg Giry likely will be favored. Making her first start on dirt for trainer Anita Bolton, she broke sharply and never looked back while beating an overmatched field by seven lengths with leading rider Pedro Alvarado aboard. Coming off four solid efforts on Polytrack in maiden special weight races at Woodbine last year, she was an obvious favorite in the six-furlong dash.

The 78 Beyer Speed Figure she earned is easily the top figure in the field, and considering that she came back to work a bullet five furlongs in 59.60 seconds May 10, there is an excellent chance that she will improve with a race behind her.

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“She’s a nice filly, and I think she’ll move forward,” said Bolton. “She showed speed for the first time in her race here, and she just might be better on dirt than Polytrack.”

Alvarado retains the mount.

Sailingforthesun, trained by Robbie Anderson, also led right from the start when she won by 4 1/2 lengths going 6 1/2 furlongs May 10. It was just her second start, and she has a right to be a good one. She is a half-sister to two stakes winners, the best being Slewpast, who won six added-money races and finished second in the Grade 3 Ballerina.

Sailingforthesun drew the rail, where Richard Hamel will be able to make use of her considerable speed.

If the top two get carried away up front, it could set up for either of the Dave Forster trainees, Ambleside Park or Susan’s Day.

KEY CONTENDERS

Meg Giry (Last 3 Beyers: 78-59-62)

◗ One of the most impressive winners at the meet came back with two sharp works and appears to be sitting on another big performance.

Sailingforthesun (Beyers: 71-28)

◗ The well-bred filly is lightly raced and could have considerable upside potential.

Susan’s Day (Last 3 Beyers: 59-36-63)

◗ She rallied to finish a distant second behind Quatre Cat in the $50,000 Ross McLeod in her first start here and could pick up the pieces if the top two get into an all-out duel.