Rampoldi set to end drought

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Rampoldi hasn't won a race since Oct. 16, 2004. Nonetheless, he looks like the one to beat in the eighth race at Hastings Saturday. The $15,000 claiming race drew nine older horses going 1 1/16 miles.

With leading rider Pedro Alvarado aboard, Rampoldi should be able to get the jump on the field. Trained by Cindy Krasner, Rampoldi is coming off of a tough loss to Presumption in a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for a $15,000 tag July 30. Rampoldi, 7, has won at a middle distance, and with no other apparent speed in the field, he could be very tough to get past in the stretch.

Fearsome Foursome has tactical speed and drew the rail. He finished last after a poor start in the same race Rampoldi exits. Fearsome Foursome is a much better horse going around three turns and he should be able to stay in touch during the early stages of the race. He's trained by a very hot Gary Demorest, who has excellent stats with horses going from a route to a sprint. Carlos Silva has the mount.

Agro, who is trained by Harold Barroby, is winless in five starts this year but could be coming up to a big effort. He showed more early interest in his latest sprint, and with five wins going 1 1/16 miles, he should appreciate the added distance.

If a speed duel did somehow materialize, it would certainly help the chances of He's Good to Go. A tough horse to ride, He's Good to Go has a very good late kick, but it has to be timed just right.