Stopping Princess Alex a tough task

VANCOUVER, British Columbia Princess Alex will be trying for her third straight win in the feature race at Hastings Friday. The 1 1/16-mile optional claiming race for fillies and mares attracted five horses and goes as the seventh race. This will be the final Friday card at Hastings for the year.

Princess Alex is a very sharp horse for trainer Carl Lausten, and she dominated her opponents in her last two races. Going right the front in a 1 1/16-mile $15,000 claiming race June 30, Princess Alex widened her margin at every pole as she cruised to a 7 3/4-length score over Country Kat. She gave an almost identical performance in her next start, a $20,000 claiming route July 27. This time she had to battle for the first quarter-mile, but after gaining the lead she increased her advantage at every call to post an easy 5 1/2-length decision over Country Kat.

With David Wilson retaining the mount, it looks like Princess Alex should be able control the early tempo. If she can, shell be very tough to catch.

Galica, who is trained by Barb Heads, will appreciate the class relief after chasing Monashee in the Senate Appointee Stakes May 26 and in the Strawberry Morn June 23. She also ran into a very sharp Starlite Strike in an allowance race that was written to exclude Monashee July 15, and in the B.C. Cup Distaff Aug. 6. Her last win came in a $45,000 optional race at 1 1/16 miles last Oct. 28.

With Vision, Thendoftherainbow, and Dramatic Charmer are all stretching out for the first time.

Thendoftherainbow is a full sister to route stakes winner Five Point Star.