Repeat of last would do the trick for Kanonkule

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Kanonkule looks like the one to beat in a $7,500 claiming race that will serve as the feature race at Hastings Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds drew seven horses and goes as race 3 on the seven-race card that begins at 1:40 p.m.

Trained by Dave Forster, Kanonkule improved dramatically when he dropped into a $5,000 nonwinners-of-two for 3-year-olds and up Sept. 17. With leading rider Richard Hamel aboard for the first time, Kanonkule came from off the pace to score an eight-length romp over Victory Clap, who is also entered back on Saturday. It was just the second time Kanonkule has gone around three turns and he is eligible to move forward in his second straight route. If he just repeats his impressive performance he figures to be tough to handle.

Contreve could be dangerous stretching out for the first time. Trained by John Snow, Contreve is by Elusive Quality and he is a half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Folklore. He made a late move while going wide to finish fourth in a $15,000 claiming sprint Sept. 24, and his breeding suggests he will easily handle a middle distance.

Honey’s Monarch won’t mind stretching out to a route after winning a $5,000 conditional claiming sprint Sept. 19. Trained by Rob Gilker, Honey’s Monarch has won two races at the distance and he gets in light with leading apprentice Ryan Pacheco taking the call at 108 pounds. Honey’s Monarch also figures to be in front early and could take them a long way if he gets away with soft fractions.

Victory Clap has finished second in three straight races and should be part of any exotics ticket.