Title Contender back on short rest at Hastings

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Title Contender usually has more than 13 days between races, so it could be a good sign that he’s ready for another strong race after winning a $35,000 optional-claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs July 5. If he does come back firing, he will be tough to beat in a $50,000 optional-claiming race that headlines the seven-race card Saturday at Hastings.

Title Contender figures to be a short price in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up that drew six horses and goes as race four.

Trained by Anita Bolton, Title Contender was voted the top older horse in British Columbia last year, and it looked like he was going to be a serious force in the older handicap division again when he finished second in back-to-back sprints in the George Royal and John Longden. However, after chasing a fast pace in the 1 1/16-mile Sir Winston Churchill, he faded to finish sixth. Taking advantage of the poor performance, Bolton dropped the multiple stakes winner into an easier spot, and while he wasn’t impressive, he did get the job done, beating Taylors Deal by three-quarters of a length.

Title Contender’s best races have been when he’s been able to stalk a moderate pace, and he should get that kind of trip Saturday with MarkLee Buchanan retaining the mount.

Devil in Disguise is looking for his first win since 2012, when he won the $50,000 Count Lathum for 3-year-olds at Northlands Park.

The Troy Taylor trainee is coming off a second-place finish going 6 1/2 furlongs behind next-out winner Brackendale in a $25,000 optional-claiming race June 21 and should appreciate stretching out to the distance all four of his wins came at.

KEY CONTENDERS

Title Contender: (Last 3 Beyers: 82-85-77)

The Grade 3 winner is the class of the field, and the shape of the race should work in his favor. He will either be the one they have to catch, or he’ll get a perfect trip stalking what figures to be a moderate pace.

Devil in Disguise (Last 3 Beyers: 81-77-76)

He showed more speed than usual in his latest sprint, and he should appreciate the move to his best distance.

Mysterious Soul (Last 3 Beyers: 86-78-72)

Trained by Barb Heads, he was the runner-up to Alert Bay in the Grade 3 Premiers in his last start Oct. 13 and has fired fresh in the past.