Sedin will stretch out after dull sprint
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Sedin could be the one in what appears to be a wide-open optional $25,000 claiming race at Hastings on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and anchors a seven-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.
Trained by Mark Cloutier, Sedin is coming off a dull performance in an optional $50,000 claiming race June 19. He broke well enough in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint but was eased off the pace by Antonio Reyes. He never got involved, however, and it is possible that he didn’t care for the sloppy conditions as he was running over a wet track for the first time.
Sedin shouldn’t mind the move to a route, and he has decent tactical speed, which should serve him well in a race that probably won’t be very fast early. He drew the rail; it wouldn’t be surprising to see Reyes put him into the race right from the start.
Torniador could be the one they have to run down. The last time he went around three turns, he was the runner-up in the $60,000 CTHS Sales Stakes on Sept. 7. Trained by Milton Palma, Torniador will appreciate being back at his home track after a brutal trip in a first-level allowance race at Emerald Downs on June 20. In his previous start, he finished second in an optional $25,000 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs here May 23.
Calgary Caper and El Capone will be rolling late but could end up with too much to do. Remember to Breathe could make some noise from a stalking position.
KEY CONTENDERS
Sedin, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 51-79-76
◗ Not sure why he ran so poorly in his last start, but he was on his toes when he worked a bullet four furlongs in 46.80 seconds July 1. Given the likely shape of the race, he should get a nice trip sitting just off Torniador.
Torniador, by Skimming
Last 3 Beyers: 50-75-68
◗ Toss out his last race, as he had trouble early and was forced to steady sharply while trying to make a move along the rail in the stretch.
◗ He looks like the main speed and could be tough to run down if he gets away on his own while setting moderate fractions.
Calgary Caper, by El Corredor
Last 3 Beyers: 72-80-74
◗ He has been the runner-up in all three of his starts for trainer Phil Hall this year and should be heard from late.