Ronaldino back after being eased

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - A competitive field of 3-year-old colts and geldings will line up in the feature race at Hastings on Sunday. The $75,000 optional claiming race drew eight horses, and it's hard to say who will be favored in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint.

Ronaldino will certainly attract some attention. A half-brother to Grade 3 Ballerina winner Grace for You, Ronaldino showed a lot of potential in his first three starts. Trained by Terry Jordan, Ronaldino finished third behind probable B.C. Derby starters Bad Sneakers and Beckenbauer when he made his debut in a maiden special weight race April 29. He won his next two races, and this will be his first since he was eased in the Alberta Derby at Stampede Park on June 16.

"It was a rough track and he slipped and hurt something behind," said Jordan. "He's doing fine now, so don't be surprised if he wins Sunday."

Mario Gutierrez will ride Ronaldino.

Gold Ticket, trained by Robbie Anderson, was an impressive winner over Royal Sovereign in a $50,000 optional race Aug. 17. He looked sharp working a bullet four furlongs in 47.20 seconds Thursday morning.

Jade Beret posted a hefty Beyer Speed Figure when he won a maiden special weight at Assiniboia Downs on July 31. A son of Bertando, Jade Beret has worked well since arriving here mid-August. He's trained by Sid Martin.