Notis Otis in his first 3-turn race

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Notis Otis puts his undefeated record on the line when he faces five other 2-year-olds in the $75,000 Ascot Graduation on Saturday at Hastings. The 1 1/16-mile feature also drew One Special Hoss, who could go favored off his powerful 6 3/4-length win in a three-turn allowance race Oct. 24.

Notis Otis is trained by first-year trainer Tracy McCarthy, and she did an excellent job of bringing the homebred colt up to his winning race in the Jack Diamond Futurity on Oct. 2 following a two-month layoff. This will be the first time Notis Otis has gone around three turns, but if he runs to his breeding, he shouldn't have any trouble handling the extra distance. His dam, Sky Borne, was a multiple stakes winner at 1 1/8 miles, and he is by Stephanotis, who had excellent speed and carried it 1 1/4 miles to win the Dominion Day Stakes at Woodbine.

Notis Otis will be ridden by Jake Barton for the first time. Barton is subbing for Chris Loseth, who is out with a broken collarbone.

Like Notis Otis, One Special Hoss has very good speed, and the two likely favorites could hook up early. One Special Hoss should have the advantage: He has had two races at the distance, and the 79 Beyer Speed Figure he posted for his Oct. 24 win stands out. He is trained by Ed Thompson, who was pleased with One Special Hoss's final workout - six furlongs in 1:14.60 on Nov. 4.

One Special Hoss will be ridden by Cayetano Chaparro.