Snuggles inherits favoritism in Sadie Diamond Futurity

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – With the stewards at Hastings ruling C U At Eau Claire is not eligible to run in the $100,000 Sadie Diamond Futurity for 2-year-old fillies Sunday, the role of the favorite will shift to Snuggles.

When the final nominations came out for the race last weekend, C U At Eau Claire was not on the list.

The final nomination was due Sept. 12. C U At Eau Claire’s trainer, Greg Tracy, said he nominated her with a racing office official before the deadline; however, after conducting an investigation, the stewards ruled they couldn’t find anything to substantiate Tracy’s claim.

“I went to pick up some papers, and I asked the person at the counter to nominate her at the same time,” Tracy said. “I thought she put the nomination in. I was surprised when she didn’t show up on the list of nominations.”

In order for her connections to weigh their options regarding an appeal or injunction, C U At Eau Claire was not scratched by the stewards.

Barring further developments, there will be eight starters in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint that shares top billing with the $100,000 Jack Diamond Futurity for 2-year-old colts and geldings.

Snuggles, trained by Dino Condilenios, was the runner-up to C U At Eau Claire when she debuted Aug. 3 in the British Columbia Cup Debutante and also in her second start in the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Handicap. In both races, she was last early.

“She’s doing fine, and I expect her to run a good race,” Condilenios said. “Hopefully, she won’t get too far behind this time.”

Amadeo Perez, who rode Snuggles both times, abandons her to ride Princess Katie. Rico Walcott picks up the mount on Snuggles.

Princess Katie was very impressive winning the $60,000 CTHS Sales Stakes in her debut Sept. 7.

Key contenders

Snuggles (Last 2 Beyers: 60-55)

* She owns the best Beyer Speed Figures in the field and likely will get a more aggressive ride with Walcott riding.

Princess Katie (Last Beyer: 46)

* Trained by Rob Gilker, she ran a huge race in her debut, and Perez sticks with her when he had the option of riding Snuggles. She could do a lot of damage if she can handle coming back this quickly.

Hippie (Last 3 Beyers: 17-54-53)

* Also trained by Condilenios, she was third in the B.C. Cup Debutante before finishing a disappointing sixth in the Sales Stakes, in which she faded after setting the pace.

“She was pretty rattled when she went on post parade in the Sales Stakes,” Condilenios said. “She isn’t in there to be a rabbit for Snuggles. She was on the fence last time, so we decided to send her.”