Notice takes 11-length romp in fillies division of Sales Stakes

British Columbia-bred Invaders from Hastings swept both divisions of the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes at Century Downs Sunday.

First up was the fillies division, and Notice was in a race by herself in the seven-furlong dash. She paid $4.00 for her 11-length romp over longshot Mixed Media and posted a final time of 1:27.30 over a track rated good. The $2 exacta paid $235.10.

She was ridden by Rigo Sarmiento, who put her into the race early after she got sandwiched leaving the starting gate. With no urging she took over the lead going down the backstretch, held a 4-length advantage after a half-mile in 48.41 seconds, and drew off to win decisively.

The homebred daughter of Stephanotis is owned by Ole Nielsen of Canmor Farms and is trained by Mark Cloutier.

Purple Storm was able to overcome a poor start to win the colts and geldings division. He paid $4.60 and posted a final time of 1:28.40.

A son of Storm Victory, Purple Storm acted up in the starting gate prior to the start, and then broke last in the eight-horse field. With Rico Walcott riding, he was well back early, started to make his presence known approaching the quarter pole, moved into serious contention on the stretch turn, and drew off from Ojo Del Mar late. The final margin was two lengths. Ojo Del Mar set the pace and held on well to finish second. Mister Macho Man was second at the half-mile call but couldn’t keep up while finishing third.

Purple Storm races for Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. He was making his first start for trainer Tim Rycroft after debuting at Hastings for trainer Craig MacPherson.

Bonnies Lil Rascal was the 8-5 favorite when he was scratched for running off after he broke through the starting gate.