Wildwood Swing in rebound spot

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Wildwood Swing could be the one they have to run down in the feature race at Hastings Friday. The $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds drew seven horses and goes as the seventh race.

Friday is the first time horses will race under the lights at Hastings this year. Post time for the first race is 7 p.m.

Wildwood Swing is coming off a poor performance in his initial start this year, and he might go off at a decent price in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint. A gelding by Storm Victory, Wildwood Swing finished sixth after breaking poorly in a $50,000 optional race on May 17. He showed very good speed in his two starts as a juvenile, particularly in his debut, when he sped 3 1/2 furlongs in 39.95 seconds. In his only other start he forced a quick pace before tiring in the $54,000 New Westminster Stakes.

Wildwood Swing will be running in a claiming race for the first time and he could be dangerous if he breaks alertly with Pedro Alvarado aboard.

Drexel is a sharp horse with two solid races to start the meet, and he could be favored off of his second-place finish behind Afleet Deal in a similar race on May 16. It could be deja vu for Drexel if Wildwood Swing gets away on his own, however. In Drexel's latest race, Afleet Deal was allowed to set uncontested moderate fractions and he easily held off Drexel in the stretch.

Drexel, who is trained by Dino Condilenios, won a $12,500 claiming race in his initial start this year. Dave Wilson retains the mount.

Shenandoah River, who is trained by Dave Forster, is also a serious threat. He finished a neck behind Drexel May 16, and with his tactical speed he could get first crack at what could be tiring speed.

Monsterinthecloset is shooting for his third straight win, and he could get it if a speed duel develops. Monsterinthecloset came from well back to win a $12,500 claiming race and he owns the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure in the field.

Brenniven holds the key on how the race will develop. He doesn't appear to have as much speed as Wildwood Swing, but if he is sent hard from his inside post he could help set it up for some of the closers. He wasn't much of a factor in the same race Wildwood Swing exits, and they both should appreciate the easier company they are facing here.