Siblings Crius, Arabella's Muse set for stakes on same card

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Crius appears to be on his way to becoming one of the leaders of the local 3-year-old division. It’s really no big surprise. He is the second starter out of multiple stakes winner Excited Miss. Excited Miss’s first starter is Arabella’s Muse, who moved to the top of the local filly-and-mare division when she scored a one-length win over Hollywood Miss in the $50,000 Vancouver Sun on June 7.

According to trainer Mike Anderson, the full siblings are slated to make their next starts July 1. Crius, undefeated in two starts, will make his first stakes appearance in the $50,000 Chris Loseth. Arabella’s Muse likely will be favored in the $50,000 Monashee. Both races will be contested over 1 1/16 miles.

Crius shouldn’t have any trouble handling a middle distance. He certainly trains like a horse who will go as far as you want. Leading up to his debut, he hadn’t shown a lot of early speed in his works. However, he did show a lot of potential by finishing strongly, and it seemed like he was going to be a lot better horse when he stretched out to 1 1/16 miles or longer.

However, he showed a lot of speed with Jeff Burningham aboard when he debuted in a maiden special weight race going 6 1/2 furlongs May 23. Breaking sharply, he chased an honest pace before drawing off to win impressively. In his second start, he showed more speed, leading from start to finish with Pedro Alvarado aboard in a $25,000 optional claimer June 14.

“He’s still learning,” said Anderson. “I was a bit surprised to see him show that much speed in his first two races. He is very relaxed, especially compared to his sister. He is certainly a lot easier to train than she is. He’s done everything right so far.”

Anderson isn’t worried about Crius not being in front early, which could be the case when he takes his game to the next level in the Chris Loseth.

“Pedro was worried about him getting dirt kicked in his face, so he put him on the lead,” said Anderson. “We’ve had him behind horses in the morning, and it doesn’t seem to bother him. For a well-sized horse, he is very athletic, and he has a big, long stride. It doesn’t hurt that he breaks so well. Hopefully, he’ll be as good as his sister.”

Arabella’s Muse had a more sensational beginning to her career for trainer Toni Cloutier. She won her debut by 13 1/4 lengths and was an easy winner of the $100,000 Sadie Diamond Futurity in her second start.

After finishing second in her first start as a 3-year-old, she was moved to Anderson’s barn. Her only win for Anderson last year came in the $50,000 Supernaturel.

“She’s always been pretty high-strung, but she is starting to mature as a 4-year-old,” he said. “She came out of her last race extremely well. I am very happy with her right now.”

Both horses were bred by Leif and Karen Nordahl. The father-daughter team owns Arabella’s Muse with Bernie and Teresa Gallagher. Leif is the sole owner of Crius.

◗ According to jockeys’ agent Daryl Snow, last year’s leading rider, Amadeo Perez, is expected to arrive in Vancouver on Tuesday and will be available to ride next weekend. A native of Mexico, Perez wanted to be at Hastings before the meet opened, but with new rules regarding foreign workers instituted by the Canadian government, he has had problems renewing his work permit.