Taylors Deal looks strong in claimer
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Despite not having won since 2014, Taylors Deal figures to be a short price when he runs in a $25,000 claiming race at Hastings on Sunday. The five-time stakes winner just missed in a $25,000 optional-claiming race in his first start this year July 1. If he takes the expected move forward he will be a handful in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint, which drew six horses.
It goes as the first race, with a post time of 1:50 p.m. Pacific. Adding interest to the eight-race card is a $69,326 carryover in the Sea to Sky Pick 6, which begins on the third race.
Trained by Troy Taylor, Taylors Deal has been beset with physical problem since he finished fourth as part of a heavily favored three-horse Glen Todd-owned entry in the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby in 2012.
Following the derby, he didn’t race for almost a year. He came back strong, though, winning the $50,000 Express with Aaron Gryder aboard. Following another layoff of more than eight months, Mario Gutierrez guided him to a 1 1/4-length win over the 2013 B.C. Derby winner Title Contender in the $50,000 John Londgen on May 19, 2014. He won his next race six months later at Golden Gate, but hasn’t had his picture taken since.
Taylor must be happy with how he is training to bring him back in 30 days, and if he runs to expectations with leading rider Richard Hamel aboard he is going to be tough to beat.
The horse with the best chance of beating Taylors Deal is his uncoupled stablemate Burnum. Acting on behalf of Todd, Taylor claimed him out of a win for $16,000 July 10.
KEY CONTENDERS
Taylors Deal, by Second in Command
Last 3 Beyers: 69-79-70
◗ The classy 7-year-old came back with a strong five-furlong move July 24, and if he shows up with his best stuff, he’s the winner.
Burnum, by Roar of the Tiger
Last 3 Beyers: 75-71-75
◗ He is stepping up in class following his third win in four starts at the meet. With his tactical speed, he should get a nice trip.
It’s In Command, by Second in Command
Last 3 Beyers: 75-62-64
◗ Trained by Harold Barroby, he dueled through honest fractions before getting nipped at the wire by Burnum. He could be the controlling speed if he breaks alertly from post 2.