Ole's Miss looks to end losing streak
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Mark Cloutier is hoping Ole’s Miss will begin to turn things around when she runs in an optional $50,000 claiming race at Hastings on Saturday. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint drew six horses and headlines a seven-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.
There will be a large crowd on hand to support former local jockey Mario Gutierrez as he tries to win the Preakness aboard Nyquist.
Ole’s Miss was good enough to win four stakes as a 3-year-old filly at Hastings in 2014, including the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks. However, she hasn’t won since she edged Irish Lyric by a head in the Oaks. As a 4-year-old, her best result was a fourth-place finish in the $50,000 Brighouse Belles in her first start last year.
Ole’s Miss hasn’t raced since finishing fifth in the $50,000 Delta Colleen on Sept. 13. Cloutier likes the way she is coming up to the race.
“She has a lot more flesh on her this year,” said Cloutier. “I don’t know why she ran so flat last year. She would work well in the mornings but then wouldn’t fire in the afternoons. She couldn’t be doing any better right now, so I am hopeful she’s ready for a big race.”
Ole’s Miss drew the inside post and will be ridden by Antonio Reyes.
Morning Coffee looks like the one they will have to catch.
In her first two starts at Hastings last year, Morning Coffee won back-to-back stakes for trainer Rosann Anderson before finishing third as the favorite in the B.C. Oaks.
Morning Coffee didn’t fire when she made her initial start this year in the Brighouse Belles on April 17.
KEY CONTENDERS
Ole’s Miss, by Officer
Last 3 Beyers: 58-66-62
◗ She does her best running late, and there should be an honest pace for her to work with.
Morning Coffee, by Quiet American
Last 3 Beyers: 51-58-76
◗ She could be gone if she breaks alertly with Denis Araujo riding.
◗ She was very impressive when she worked four furlongs in 45.60 seconds with Araujo aboard last Tuesday. She galloped out five furlongs in 58.60.
“It was a good work, but it would have been nice to give her another day before she runs,” said Anderson.
Sailingforthesun, by Sungold
Last 3 Beyers: 75-61-72
◗ Trained by Robbie Anderson, she came from a stalking position to win a $25,000 optional-claiming race April 30 and should get a similar trip Saturday.
◗ She has a right to move forward in her second start since she won the $60,000 CTHS Sales Stakes on Sept. 7.