Qatar’s Pearl might target Lieutenant Governors

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Rob Gilker is considering taking a shot at the $50,000 Lieutenant Governors with Qatar’s Pearl, who beat a good field of allowance horses last Sunday. Gilker claimed Qatar’s Pearl for $50,000 in 2012 with an eye on the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby where he finished seventh. He didn’t run last year due to suspensory problems, but he is certainly headed in the right direction with two straight wins.

Qatar’s Pearl started twice at Santa Anita this winter before winning a maiden special weight race here May 4.

“He really gained a lot of confidence after his first win, and there were some nice horses that he beat last Sunday,” said Gilker. “He seems like a different horse than he was at Santa Anita.”

Gilker said he was also mentioned shipping Qatar’s Pearl to Northlands Park to run in a non-winners of three allowance race as another possibility for his next start.