Mr. Bowling strikes in Lieutenant Governor’s

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Mr. Bowling took firm control of the older handicap division with a convincing 1 1/4-length win over Modern in the $50,000 Lieutenant Governor’s at Hastings on Wednesday. He paid $4.60 as the second choice behind Modern in the 1 1/16-mile race.

With Mario Gutierrez aboard, Mr. Bowling settled into a stalking position while Modern posted quick interior fractions of 22.94 and 46.01 seconds. Modern still held a 3 1/2-length advantage after six furlongs in 1:10.29, but it was clear that Mr. Bowling was going to make it a race. Mr. Bowling was full of run when he headed into the stretch a half-length behind the leader and drew away under strong handling. Modern held on well to finish 4 1/4 lengths clear of Brass and Gold.

“I knew Modern was going fast, and I was very comfortable with how my horse was running,” said Gutierrez. “He finished very strong.”

The final time was a swift 1:42.74, just shy Coral Isle’s track record of 1:42.20.

Mr. Bowling is trained by Troy Taylor.

Arabella’s Muse delivers in Monashee

As anticipated, Arabella’s Muse took them all the way as the prohibitive favorite in the $50,000 Monashee Handicap for fillies and Mares. She paid $3.30 for her one-length win over Locket in the 1 1/16-mile race.

The final time was 1:44.35.

Arabella’s Muse is trained by Mike Anderson.

It was the second stakes win on the Canada Day card for leading jockey Richard Hamel. Hamel also went home with a win with Bearrock N Roll in the nightcap. It was the 23rd win for the classy 10-year-old and the fourth on the nine-race card for Hamel.

Bearrock N Roll also gave trainer Craig MacPherson three wins for the day.