Square Dancer vs. Killin Me Smalls in BC Premier’s
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The Grade 3, $100,000 BC Premier’s Handicap at Hastings on Monday boils down to a matchup between the top handicap horses in British Columbia and Alberta, Square Dancer and Killin Me Smalls. Killin Me Smalls has a few things going for him that could give him a slight edge in the 1 3/8-mile race that drew eight horses.
There is rain in the forecast, and with a 3-1-0 record from four starts over wet tracks, Killin Me Smalls should love what figures to be a sloppy surface. Trained by Ernie Keller, Killin Me Smalls also is proven at the marathon distance, and if he can come close to the 92 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his five-length front-running win going 11 furlongs in the $75,000 Speed to Spare at Northlands Park in his most recent start Sept. 7, he is going to be tough to handle.
Last but maybe most important: Killin Me Smalls has good speed, which could give him a tactical advantage over Square Dancer.
Keller wasn’t too concerned about the track condition or if there was other speed in the field.
“He hasn’t found a track he doesn’t like,” said Keller. “I haven’t looked at the past performances yet, but if there is other speed, he doesn’t have to go with him.”
Ruben Lara retains the mount.
Square Dancer is a deserving favorite. He hasn’t lost in three starts at Hastings for trainer Steve Henson and was on the bit when he worked five furlongs in 59.20 seconds with Richard Hamel aboard Oct. 4.
In his most recent start, he had a wide trip while winning the $50,000 S.W. Randall Plate by a nose over Dontmesswithkitten.
KEY CONTENDERS
Killin Me Smalls (Last 3 Beyers: 92-86-84)
◗ The versatile 5-year-old has a win and a second from two starts at the distance and will either be the one they have to run down or will get a nice trip stalking Dontmesswithkitten, who has to be considered suspect going this far.
Square Dancer (Last 3 Beyers: 87-85-84)
◗ Undefeated at Hastings, he could pick up the pieces if Killin Me Smalls hooks up with Dontmesswithkitten early.
Senor Rojo (Last 3 Beyers: 85-70-80)
◗ The classy 9-year-old won the Speed to Spare twice and the Premier’s once for trainer Dave Forster.
◗ He was very impressive in winning a $25,000 optional-claiming race going 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 27.
Shooting Jacket (Last 3 Beyers: 87-82-83)
◗ Third behind multiple Grade 2 winner Alert Bay in last year’s Premier’s, he just missed in the S.W. Randall Plate in an improved effort last out.