Stalker seeks third straight win

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Lilsisterlightning figures to be a short price as she goes for her third consecutive win in an $25,000 optional race at Hastings Park Wednesday evening.

Hoping for Fun also is entered in the 6 1/2-furlong feature, and she appears to have the best chance of pulling off an upset.

Lilsisterlightning was an excellent claim for trainer Steve Bryant, who took the 4-year-old filly out of a $20,000 claiming race for owner Darlene Denchuk Aug. 25. Lilsisterlightning has won both of her starts under Denchuk's colors - a $25,000 optional race Sept. 9 and again for the same condition Sept. 19. Both races were at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Lilsisterlightning has good tactical speed, and with Actxotic and Devilish Delight figuring to battle it out for the early lead, she should get a perfect stalking trip. If she runs down the lane the way she did in her previous two starts she'll be tough to beat.

Bryant isn't having a year like the one he had last season when he was leading trainer for the first time. But he accomplished a rare feat here Sunday, winning with all three of the horses he started. He has named Sam Krasner to ride Lilsisterlightning.

Hoping for Fun is making only her third start of the year, but she's coming off of a solid second to Lilsisterlightning Sept. 9, making a strong move in the stretch but coming up short by a neck.

It was her first start since she finished last in a $50,000 optional race April 28, and with a couple of decent works recently, she should be ready for another good effort.