Tempest looks tough in allowance feature

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – It is hard to go past Tempest in a first-level allowance race for 3-year-olds that will serve as Sunday’s feature at Hastings. After all, Tempest is coming off a second-place finish in the $50,000 Jim Coleman Province on May 3 and he will appreciate the easier company with the drop into a conditional race. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint attracted six horses and goes as race 6 at 4:20 p.m. Pacific.

Trainer Dino Condilenios nominated Tempest to next Saturday’s $50,000 River Rock Casino, but opted for the easier spot.

“I think he can run with horses like Koffee Grinder and Aspen Getaway but this came up and it makes sense to duck them while we can,” said Condilenios. “He’s doing really well right now and why not take advantage of his conditions? Plus, I would rather be 2-1 in this race instead of 6 or 7-1 in the River Rock.”

Owned and bred by Swift Thoroughbreds Inc., Tempest will be making just his third start. He showed a lot of potential when he won a $25,000 maiden claiming race in his debut last year and then ran a huge race at 22-1 in the Coleman. He has the breeding to be a decent horse. He is by Rosberg, a Grade 3 winner by A.P. Indy. Rosberg’s dam, Bosra Sham, was a champion in Europe. Rosberg was off to a great start as a sire but died a few weeks ago while servicing a mare. Rosberg was owned by Swift Thoroughbreds.

“They think it might have been a heart attack but the autopsy report hasn’t come back yet,” said Condilenios.

Tempest is a full-brother to Mark, who has won four races, including a minor route stakes at Turf Paradise.

“I think Tempest will improve going long but we’ll find that out later,” said Condilenios.

Apprentice Corrine Andros retains the mount.

The main threat could come from Burnaby Barron, who rallied to finish third in a first-level allowance May 19. Trained by Phil Hall, Burnaby Barron was coming off a rough trip in the Coleman, where he finished eighth.

Leading trainer Troy Taylor entered Admiral Morgan and Lord Gallovic but they will both need to improve to beat Tempest.

Remembertobreathe is a maiden but he owns the best Beyer Speed Figure in the field and could be ready for a peak effort in his third start at the meet.

Koffee Grinder targets River Rock Casino Stakes

According to trainer Craig MacPherson, Koffee Grinder came out of his impressive maiden win May 17 in good shape and will make his next start in the River Rock Casino. The 85 Beyer Speed Figure he earned is the highest by any 3-year-old at Hastings this year. By way of comparison, Aspen Getaway received a 65 Beyer for his win in the Jim Coleman Province.

Last year, Koffee Grinder ran okay in his two starts, finishing third in a $30,000 optional maiden claiming race and then fourth at the same level. In his strong performance in his first start as a 3-year-old, he stalked an honest pace before drawing off to win by three lengths over the highly regarded Slice of Red.

“He trained like a much better horse this spring and he really showed it,” said MacPherson. “That was a big race for him and he should move forward off of it.”

MacPherson said Koffee Grinder was going to breeze this weekend and that he was looking forward to running him in the River Rock.

“He could be a good one and I actually think he’ll be better going longer.”