The Odds R Good brings bullet works into sprint

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – It is hard to take a firm stand on any of the seven horses entered in an optional $25,000 claiming race that will serve as the featured race at Hastings on Saturday. With no standout in the six-furlong dash that goes as race 6, there should be value for anyone capable of solving what appears to be a complex puzzle.

With just a single win, The Odds R Good comes up a bit weak in the class department. However, his trainer, Mel Snow, is off to a strong start at the meet and appears to have The Odds R Good primed for a big effort in his first start as an older horse.

In his last two bullet six-furlong moves with Amadeo Perez aboard, The Odds R Good posted identical times of 1:12.40 over tracks rated “fast.” On April 15, he worked in company with his half-brother Good As They Get, who overcame a slow start to finish second in a maiden special weight race last Sunday. In his latest move April 22, Perez had him in hand the whole way while working alone.

The Odds R Good ran once as a 2-year-old and was the runner-up in his first three starts as a sophomore in maiden special weight races last year. Always well regarded by his connections, he could be ready to live up to their expectations as a 4-year-old.

On the other side of the spectrum is two-time Grade 3 winner Commander, who is easily the class of the party. However, he hit the board just once in five starts last year, and in his last three races, he lost by double-digit lengths.

Trained by Troy Taylor, Commander has a good record at the distance, winning three of his four starts going six furlongs, and he has won coming off similar layoffs in the past.

KEY CONTENDERS

The Odds R Good, by Cause to Believe

Last 3 Beyers: 50-59-71

◗ He has earned bullets in three of his last four works, and anything coming out of this barn right now has to be respected.

Off the Top, by Rosberg

Last 3 Beyers: 74-73-61

◗ Trained by Robbie Anderson, Off the Top was a sharp horse at the end of the 2015 meet, winning a $16,000 claiming race Oct. 12 before being the runner-up for $25,000 on Oct. 24. Both races were going 1 1/16 miles, but he has won sprinting and was on his toes when he worked five furlongs in 1:01.40 with Skyler White Shield aboard Tuesday.