Mighty Cahill fresh and dangerous

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Mighty Cahill certainly had the credentials to run in the George Royal Stakes at Hastings last weekend. After all, as a 3-year-old last year he won the Burnaby Breeders' Cup and he also placed in the Grade 3 Canadian Derby.

Nonetheless, his trainer, Harold Barroby, was looking for an easier spot for Mighty Cahill to take on older horses for the first time. It appears he found it Saturday in an allowance race for 3-year-olds and up who have not won a race in 2007.

The 6 1/2-furlong feature drew six horses, but most of them would appear to want a bit more distance.

Mighty Cahill is making his first start of the year. He has won two races going 6 1/2 furlongs and both times he was a fresh horse. He won a maiden special weight race by 11 1/4 lenghts when he made his 2-year-old debut in 2005. Last year he also won first time out, beating T J Hennessy in a $50,000 optional claiming race. Barroby, though, said he hasn't really cranked up Mighty Cahill.

"He's training well enough," said Barroby. "But I haven't worked him in company or anything like that. It's a long season, and with True Metropolitan leaving, I think he can be one of the top horses here."

Richard Hamel will ride.

Luhuk's Dancer has good speed and is the only other horse in the field that has won at the distance. He could be tough to beat if he gets away on his own.

Chile's Quest had a rough trip in a $50,000 optional claiming race last weekend and could be dangerous with a race under his belt.