Rail Hugger up for nose victory in Canadian Juvenile

In a thriller Rail Hugger edged Greek Geek by a nose in the $100,000 Canadian Juvenile at Century Downs Sunday. It was another neck back to Dune d’Oro in the 7 1/2-furlong race for 2-year-olds that served as the closing-day feature.

Rail Hugger paid $19.40 and posted a final time of 1:31.31.

With Prayven Badrie aboard, Rail Hugger was well back while saving ground early, made his presence known approaching the quarter pole, made a strong four-wide move around the stretch turn, and prevailed following a stretch-long duel with Greek Geek and Dune d’Oro. Greek Geek came from a stalking position. Dune d’Oro forced the pace and was game in defeat after taking the lead at the top of the stretch.

The favorite, He’s Meant to Be, finished eighth. He’s Meant to Be was the last mount for Richard Hamel who announced his retirement last weekend. A five-time leading rider at Hastings, Hamel retires with 1,664 wins and career earnings of $21,645,536.

A Kentucky-bred son of Girolamo, Rail Hugger is trained by Elige Bourne. He races for John Hansen.

Despite stumbling at the start Weekend Wizard won the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes.

He paid $16.60 for his three-quarter-length victory over Call It a Wrap in the seven-furlong dash for 3- and 4-year-olds.

After the poor start Weekend Wizard was hustled to the lead by Rico Walcott. He posted a half-mile time of 45.45 seconds, held a two-length advantage turning for home, and was all-out to hold off Call It a Wrap who was last early. Zicatela finished third.

The 4-year-old British Columbia-bred son of Rosberg is trained by Tim Rycroft.

He posted a final time of 1:22.45.

Rycroft also trains Call it a Wrap. The winner and runner-up are owned by Riversedge Racing Stables.