Venetian Mask won't be overlooked again in Lieutenant Governor's Handicap
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Venetian Mask was a big overlay when he paid $17.60 for his win in the $50,000 John Longden 6000 Handicap on June 4. After all, he had lost the Grade 3 Premier’s Handicap by a nose to Killin Me Smalls in his final start of 2016 and had closed strongly in both of his sprints leading up to his first route attempt this year in the 1 1/16-mile Longden.
He is clearly the one to beat and should get the respect he deserves in the $75,000 Lieutenant Governor’s Handicap at Hastings on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew nine horses and headlines a nine-race Canada Day card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.
Trainer Mike Anderson said Venetian Mask was a bit cut up on one of his back legs after his two-length win over Modern in the Longden.
“He was in traffic a few times, so I am not sure where it happened,” Anderson said. “Luckily, the cuts were superficial, and he didn’t miss any training.”
Venetian Mask has been on an upward trend since he was the runner-up in a $16,000 claiming race just over a year ago.
“He’s really improved this year,” Anderson said. “He had a few nagging issues, and the winter off did him a world of good.”
Anderson liked the way Venetian Mask worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 last Saturday.
“He’s just full of himself right now,” he said.
Venetian Mask has good tactical speed and should get a nice trip stalking what likely will be a fast pace after he breaks from the inside post with Jeff Burningham riding.
Calgary Caper was the top handicap horse at Hastings last year, but he didn’t fire in his first two sprints this year and had too much to do after trailing a slow pace in the Longden. However, with Crackdown in the field, there should be a hot pace in the Lieutenant Governor’s.
“He’s been getting too far behind, so we’re going to try and sharpen him up by putting blinkers on him,” trainer Phil Hall said.
KEY CONTENDERS
Venetian Mask, by Pulpit
Last 3 Beyers: 89-81-87
◗ Like fine wine, the 6-year-old Kentucky-bred has improved with age, and he should get the same kind of stalking trip he had in his impressive win in the Longden.
Calgary Caper, by El Corredor
Last 3 Beyers: 79-76-79
◗ The shape of the race should work for him, and he was on his toes when he worked four furlongs while wearing blinkers for the first time last Sunday.
Modern, by Tiznow
Last 3 Beyers: 85-87-85
◗ He has won seven stakes for trainer Dino Condilenios, but if he can’t lay off Crackdown early, he is going to have a hard time dealing with Venetian Mask, among others, late.
