Pretty Reckless primed for optional claimer

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Pretty Reckless won her last race by just a neck, but the margin of victory was a bit deceiving, as she was on cruise control for most of the race. She figures to be tough to handle when she runs in a $35,000 optional-claiming race for fillies and mares Saturday at Hastings.

The 6 1/2-furlong sprint drew 10 horses and headlines a seven-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.

Trained by Mike Anderson, Pretty Reckless has won two of her three lifetime starts and could be ready for a peak performance in her third start at the meet. After impressively winning her debut as a 3-year-old last August, she was given the rest of the season off. In her comeback race, she stalked the pace but came up empty and finished sixth.

She took a big step forward when she came back in a first-level allowance race May 31, though. She dragged Sal Gonzalez to the lead, where he sat on her until he gave her a light tap with the whip inside the sixteenth pole to keep her focused. The cause of his concern was Super Divine, who was making a strong move along the rail. Pretty Reckless never looked like she might lose while holding off Super Divine and Bamboo Dream, who was closing with a rush on the outside.

Anderson expects another strong performance Saturday.

“She had a really good work last Sunday and seems to be thriving right now,” said Anderson. “She can rate, so if there is other speed, she should be okay.”

Leading rider Richard Hamel picks up the mount.

The speed Anderson was referring to could come from Graffiti Grace, a horse trained by his brother, Robbie Anderson.

Graffiti Grace didn’t show much after getting off to a poor start May 17 in a first-level allowance race in her first start this year. She came back with a much better effort when she chased Pretty Reckless until tiring late. With a solid race behind her and a sharp five-furlong work last Sunday, she could be ready to take a big step forward Saturday.

Kiri’s Gal also has decent speed, and if a duel develops, it could help set the table for either Bamboo Dream or Super Divine.

Lady Henrietta could be dangerous with the move back to a sprint after forcing the issue early June 8 in the $50,000 Vancouver Sun Handicap.
Terlani wants more distance but will appreciate the easier company after going unplaced in the Sun.