Teide scares off rivals in Longden

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Is there any horse at Hastings capable of beating Teide? Probably not, and that's why there were only three horses entered with him in Sunday's $50,000 John Longden 6000. The 1 1/16-mile feature for older horses, which goes as the third race, will not have show wagering.

Teide, trained by Dino Condilenios, was by far the best horse at Hastings in 2009, and considering the way he manhandled his opponents in the 6 1/2-furlong George Royal in his seasonal debut on May 8, he could even be better this year. With Chad Hoverson aboard, Teide stalked the early pace set by Woombroom Express, and after taking control of the race on the stretch turn, he cruised to a 4 1/2-length win over Tommy Danzigger. The final time of 1:15.20 was just .20 of a second off the track record. If Hoverson had urged Teide at all in the final sixteenth, there isn't much doubt he would have easily set a new standard. The scary thing is that Teide is a much better horse going a middle distance.

"What can I say," Condilenios said. "He is doing very well right now, and I expect him to run his race."

Hoverson retains the mount.

Condilenios also has entered Almost Time, a sharp winner of a $50,000 optional-claiming sprint April 24 who then finished third as the favorite behind Teide in the George Royal. Condilenios was considering shipping Almost Time to run in a sprint stakes at Northlands Park but opted to stretch him out in the Longden.

"I keep telling you he isn't just a sprinter," Condilenios said. "Believe me, he is going to run a big race Sunday."

Other than a second-place finish behind Tommy Danzigger in the

1 1/16-mile B.C. Cup Stellar Jay and a last-place finish in the 1 3/8-mile Grade 3 Canadian Derby, also won by Tommy Danzigger, Almost Time has done all of his racing in sprints, winning five times.

Senor Rojo is as honest as the come but is still looking for his first stakes win. Trained by Dave Forster, Senor Rojo made a strong late move to finish third in a 6 1/2-furlong $50,000 optional claimer on May 15 and should appreciate the added distance. He also would benefit if Almost Time and Tommy Danzigger hooked up early and set quick fractions.