Stanz in Command unbeaten but no cinch in Jack Diamond Futurity
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Stanz in Command will try to remain undefeated when he runs in the $100,000 Jack Diamond Futurity at Hastings on Sunday. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 2-year-old colts and geldings foaled in Canada drew nine horses and appears to be a wide-open race.
Trained by Charlene Miller, Stanz in Command pulled off a huge upset when he won his debut in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Nursery for British Columbia-breds. He paid $78.70 for his win over Fear of the Cat in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint. Proving the win in the Nursery was no fluke, he returned to beat open company in the $50,000 New Westminster, paying $6.70.
Miller likes the way he is coming into the race.
“I sent him to the farm and I was very concerned when he came back with some kind of respiratory problem,” said Miller. “I had him scoped and everything was clear, though. He trained really well [Thursday], so he should be ready to go.”
David Lopez, who has ridden Stanz in Command in both his starts, retains the mount.
Timber King is the only sibling to Grade 3 Longacres Mile winner Herbie D, and he showed a lot of potential when he rallied to finish third in his first start in the $60,000 Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Sales Stakes on Sept. 7.
“He came out of the race in good shape and we just wish there was more time between races,” said trainer Rob Gilker’s wife and assistant trainer, Vicky.
Jack Diamond Futurity, Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Stanz in Command (Beyers: 58-60)
◗ He came from off the pace in both his races, and there should be an honest pace on Sunday to set him up.
Fear of the Cat (Last 3 Beyers: 54-52-59)
◗ Trained by Sylvea Gregory, he had a rough trip in the New Westminster but made no mistakes when jockey Richard Hamel put him on the lead when he won the CTHS Sales Stakes.
Timber King (Beyer: 48)
◗ He may have won the Sales Stakes with a better start, and could take a big step forward with a race behind him.
Rock Concert (Beyers: 45-43)
◗ The first foal out of the multiple stakes winner Concert Music, he was very impressive winning his debut on Aug. 9. Trained by John Snow, he might have been coming back too quickly when he faded after chasing a fast pace in the New Westminster 12 days later.
◗ He worked a sharp five furlongs in 59.80 seconds Sept. 11, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him bounce back with a strong effort from a forward position.