No shortage of speed in feature

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The pace figures to be hotly contested in the feature race at Hastings Sunday, a $35,000 optional sprint for fillies and mares that drew 10 horses. That being the case, it should set up for either a stalker or deep closer. Regardless of how the race develops, it appears to be a wide-open event with no clear favorite.

Devil's Eclipse, who is trained by Harold Barroby, should appreciate a spirited battle up front. The 4-year-old Devil's Eclipse came from next to last to finish a fast-closing second behind Champagne Royale in a similar spot May 1, and has since had two solid works. She will be ridden by apprentice Justin Stein at a very light 106 pounds.

Indian Attack is new to Hastings. A 4-year-old filly, Indian Attack was claimed for $20,000 at Santa Anita Feb. 3 and was shipped to trainer Janet Armstrong's barn soon after. Indian Attack hasn't done a lot sprinting, but she won her maiden going 7 1/2 furlongs and has the kind of tactical speed that wins a lot of races at Hastings. She had a sizzling five-furlong work in 59.40 May 13 and appears to be primed for a strong effort. She will be ridden by Cayetano Chaparro.

A lot of the speed will be provided by 3 1/2-furlong track record holder Flying Memo. She set the standard in October 2003 but has raced only three times since, finishing third twice.

Lilsisterlightning is a stakes winner and is clearly the class of the race, but she likes to be in front.