Prince Hotel steps up as lone speed in sprint
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Jody Rawson has won with two of her five starters at the Hastings meet, and she appears to have found the right spot for Prince Hotel, who is doubling his price after a sharp win in an $8,000 conditional-claiming race May 8. He seems to be the only speed in a $16,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up that headlines the seven-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.
The 6 1/2-furlong sprint is restricted to non-winners of two races lifetime or British Columbia-bred non-winners of three lifetime.
Prince Hotel was making his second start for Rawson when he won his last race by 2 1/4 lengths. Breaking sharply with leading rider Richard Hamel aboard, he settled just off an honest pace set by Similkameen Luke. Prince Hotel engaged the leader on the second turn, and after seizing control of the race at the top of the stretch, he easily held off Peace Arch, who rallied late.
It was Prince Hotel’s first win since he won a $16,000 maiden-claiming race for trainer Rob VanOverschot as a 2-year-old in 2014. He should be full of confidence, and given the likely shape of the race, he figures to be a handful with Hamel retaining the mount. He drew post 2.
Merlot, trained by Nancy Betts, had a wide trip when he finished a close fifth as the favorite in a similar race May 14 and should get a better trip from the inside post with Ruben Lara aboard.
Race 6
KEY CONTENDERS
Prince Hotel, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 66-54-39
◗ This 4-year-old B.C.-bred is trending in the right direction, and his bullet four-furlong work in 46.60 seconds last Saturday is an indication that he will continue moving forward. If he breaks alertly, he is going to be very tough to run down.
Merlot, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 61-68-68
◗ He has shown some tactical speed in the past, and if Lara can get him into the race early, he could make it interesting late. However, considering his two starts this year, that is a big if.
Finally Diamonds, by Finality
Last 3 Beyers: 50-72-69
◗ Trained by Barbara Heads, he ran like a horse who needed a race when he made his seasonal debut at this level May 14. He figures to move forward in his second start back and does have decent tactical speed, so he should be within range of Prince Hotel early in the race.