Snuggles needs better behavior in Strawberry Morn

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Snuggles apparently did not want to play when she made her first start of the year in the $50,000 Vancouver Sun on May 13. Last year’s local Horse of the Year, she refused to go near the starting gate, and it took a lot of coaxing and time to get her loaded, delaying the start of the 6 1/2-furlong sprint by at least five minutes.

She also seemed disinterested for the first half of the race, but she did finish full of run and lost by only 2 1/4 lengths while finishing fourth.

Trainer Dino Condilenios is hoping for better behavior from Snuggles in the $50,000 Strawberry Morn Handicap for fillies and mares on Saturday. Despite her prerace antics in the Sun, she figures to be a heavy favorite in the 1 1/16-mile Strawberry Morn, which drew six horses.

“She’s always had issues going into the 6 1/2-furlong chute,” said Condilenios. “Not as much as last time, though. She should be better Saturday.”

Snuggles is perfect in three starts at the distance, and the way she was rolling late in the Sun suggests she’s ready for a big effort in her second start back. Snuggles will break from post 4 with usual rider Rico Walcott aboard.

Condilenios also entered Chianti, who figures to set an honest pace.

Condilenios is appealing a $1,250 fine he received after a horse he trains, Silvertown, tested positive for the anti-inflammatory drug Banamine. He is asking for a split sample to be tested.

“It isn’t the money,” he said. “It’s my reputation. In 25 years of training, I’ve never had a positive, and I don’t use Banamine. I treated the three horses I ran that day the same way, and they all won, so I don’t know how it got into his system.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Snuggles, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 73-76-73

◗ She won the Grade 3 Ballerina as a 3-year-old in her final start last year and will relish the added distance she gets to work with following a useful prep in the Sun.

Dear Lilly, by Graeme Hall
Last 3 Beyers: 78-76-71

◗ Trained by Sandi Gann, she won the first two sprint stakes for fillies and mares at the meet, and with her tactical speed, she should get a nice trip stalking speed that probably won’t last.
“I know she’s never won going long, but she is training very well right now,” said Gann.

Castellani, by Quality Road
Last 3 Beyers: 74-72-66

◗ The 5-year-old Kentucky-bred, trained by Phil Hall, ran evenly in the Brighouse Belles and Sun, and as a two-time route winner on turf, she could make a big impact in her first try going around three turns on dirt.