Square Dancer looks like horse for course in S.W. Randall Plate

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Square Dancer will try to keep his undefeated record at Hastings intact when he runs Sunday in the $50,000 S.W. Randall Plate Handicap. The 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew 10 horses and goes as race 6 on a nine-race card that begins at 12:50 p.m. Pacific.

The Randall is one of three stakes supporting the Grade 3, $250,000 British Columbia Derby and kicks off the late pick four, which has a guaranteed pool of $25,000.

Square Dancer is clearly the horse to beat, but he is by no means a single. Because of his late-running style, he will need a clean trip to win what appears to be a wide-open event.

Trained by Steve Henson, he has improved significantly since he arrived at Hastings. Prior to winning a $50,000 optional claimer July 18 in his first start for Henson, he finished third in a $25,000 claimer June 21 at Emerald Downs. He proved that his first win at Hastings wasn’t a fluke when he got up in the last jump to edge Modern by a nose Aug. 3 in the $100,000 Redekop Classic.

“At any other track, he is a mid- to high-priced claimer,” said Henson. “He just loves it here. He’s doing great, so I expect him to run another good race.”

Square Dancer will break from post 6 under Richard Hamel.

Brass and Gold, trained by Barbara Heads, finished third behind Square Dancer in the Redekop Classic, but he’s had a race since, and it was a good one. He came from a stalking position to win the $50,000 B.C. Cup Classic on Aug. 21. With better tactical speed, he could have a slight advantage over the late-running Square Dancer.

“He always breaks sharply, so he should be able to get into a good position early,” said Heads.

Key contenders

Square Dancer (Last 3 Beyers: 85-84-67)

* With plenty of speed in the field, the shape of the race could work for him.

* He also looked like a fresh horse when he worked five furlongs in 1:00 flat last Sunday.

Brass and Gold (Last 3 Beyers: 85-83-81)

* He looked great winning the B.C. Cup Classic, and he has an excellent 2-0-2 record from four starts at the distance.

Taylors Deal (Last 3 Beyers: 70-82-81)

* Toss his race in the Longacres Mile and it’s hard to find a bad race.

* Though he has been beset by physical problems throughout his career, trainer Troy Taylor said, “This is as sound as he has been since he was a 3-year-old.”