Tempest tries to rebound amid easier company in claiming race

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – It has always been tough to put on quality cards at Hastings the week before B.C. Cup Day, Aug. 4, and this year is no exception, with seven races scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.

Headlining the Saturday card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific is a $12,500 claiming race for 3-year-olds that drew nine horses. Also of interest is a maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds going 3 1/2 furlongs that drew six horses and goes as race 6.

RACE 5: CLAIMING

KEY CONTENDERS

Tempest (Last 3 Beyers: 54-64-70)

◗ Trained by Dino Condilenios, Tempest is coming off a dull performance in a first-level allowance race July 12 that was won by the promising Slice of Red, who will be one of the favorites in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Stellar’s Jay.

◗ He is going to appreciate the substantially easier company with the drop into a claiming race, and according to DRF’s Formulator, over the past five years, Condilenios has a 24 percent strike rate with horses running for a tag for the first time.

◗ Tempest has good speed, but he can also stalk, and there is other potential speed in the field. He also is reunited with apprentice Corrine Andros, who was aboard for his second-place finish in the $50,000 Jim Coleman Province and for two subsequent solid efforts prior to a poor performance in his last start.

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Admiral Morgan (Last 3 Beyers: 56-6-57)

◗ Trained by Troy Taylor, Admiral Morgan rallied to finish second in a $16,000 claiming race July 5, and there should be an honest pace to set up his good late move.

London (Last 3 Beyers: 63-58-36)

◗ The second half of the uncoupled Condilenios-trained entry hasn’t been worse than third while running over fast tracks. He ran a big race when he faced winners for the first time in a $16,000 claiming race June 21.

RACE 6: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

KEY CONTENDERS

Jacuzzi Bob

◗ “He’s fast,” said trainer Craig MacPherson.

◗ He is by Half Ours, who has solid numbers with debuting juveniles, and according to Formulator, over the past five years, MacPherson has won with 24 percent of his 2-year-olds debuting in maiden special weight races.

Party Pooper

◗ Trained by Taylor, Party Pooper has been on his toes in the morning, and he is a half-brother to four juvenile winners.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Taylor has a 27 percent strike rate with juveniles making their debuts in maiden special weight races.