Sunday's Previews
Horse of the Year Infinite Patience makes her first appearance of the season on another competitive seven-race card that features a $20,000 guaranteed Pick 4
MAJESTIC STREET returns to 6½ furlongs after an unsuccessful foray over further last time and this represents a good opportunity for the five-year-old to get off the mark at Hastings after arriving from a winter campaign at Turf Paradise. A repeat of his neck second to Sir Bregovic back in May could easily be good enough. SHARPZAN did better from a wide draw than the bare figures suggest when a dead-heat second behind EDDIE WHO. His victory over subsequent winners Broke an Broken and Cocorita the time before that has a solid look about it. ROAD CLOSURE got his maiden win earlier this month and may now go on to better things, while the twice-raced COUNTERACT makes his season debut and has to be respected based on his fifth place in last year’s CTHS Sales Stakes.
BAK TO LIBERTY virtually fell out of the gate last time and, in the circumstances, did well to finish third to Eddie Who. He’s run solidly against some of the best around over the past year and is the one they have to beat here. Lightly-raced AZOV SEA made a successful transition to Hastings from California when getting the best of My Man Stan in a maiden contest last month and, although this looks a slightly tougher assignment, he could still be improving. His ability to handle the distance will need to be taken on trust. There are no such stamina concerns for ONE FIFTY ONE who has hit the board in five of his six bids at 8 ½ furlongs. His third to Sloop John B last time suggests another win can’t be too far away. On some of his best form CRYPTO MUNNY would be little more than a steering job for Fraser Aebly, but this marks a Hastings debut for the California import and, although he must be respected, he’s not easy to weigh up.
Bettors may need the trusty dart for this competitive affair. LOGICAL AL was niggled along for some way when a rallying third behind Y Vee R last time, with today’s rival CAB SAV behind. There’s not much between them although the booking of leading rider Amadeo Perez for Logical Al looks significant. There’s also very little to choose between SLOOP JOHN B and ERLICH who were first and second, respectively, last time. The former made the best of a soft lead but still had to do it the hard way, while quicker fractions today may suit the latter, who was closing in fast and only went down by a neck. ACCORDINGLY’s dead-heat second to Eddie Who last time looks solid and he also should relish this first attempt at 8½ furlongs.
STAY FANTASTIC gave way only very late when a bold second to Just Jimmy last time. That effort came on the heels of a win over Shotgun Rider and trainer Edgar Mendoza clearly has him in great form. He’s the one they have to beat. WISELY PLAYED will hope for a strong pace and clear passage as he makes his traditionally-late bid for glory. He’s finished with gusto in his two previous efforts at this distance this term. Look for him late again here. ITSMYDAY is a consistent sort who rarely runs a poor race, either here or at Century Mile. He was just behind Wisely Played the last time he ran over this distance at Hastings and has put in two solid third-place finishes so far this season.
Horse of the Year INFINITE PATIENCE makes her long awaited reappearance after her winter break but will need to be on her game to handle some of these speedy boys. At her best they wouldn’t see which way she goes and, regardless of whether she needs the race, will take some beating; but it’s no gimme. SMART LAD beat SET TO SHINE three weeks ago, while a win by Stay Fantastic in the previous race could boost the chances of JUST JIMMY - who beat him last month. BE QUICK has yet to recapture his sparkle of last season but he’s no slouch when in form and should be ready for action after two runs this season.
AQUITANIA ARRIVAL made a good impression when winning comfortably on his Hastings debut. His subsequent third-place finish in the $50k Budweiser Stakes at Emerald Downs last month paid tribute to that first effort and he looks the one they have to beat here. SIR BREGOVIC returns to 6½ furlongs after, by his own standards, a disappointing effort over the long course and should be a different proposition today. BOLD ARCH put in his best effort of the season when third to Smart Lad and Set to Shine last time and he can give them plenty to think about if he’s got his mojo working.
SELF SERVING drops in class and a repeat of his last outing, when a closing fourth behind Barney Google, would make him an obvious choice to take the ‘night cap’. Henson barn-mate THREE DAY BENDER doesn’t look the most consistent sort but he had clear daylight back to Deanarrow when breaking his maiden last time and a repeat of that effort would definitely put him in the mix. JERSEY’S IMAGE beat subsequent winners Dynamiter and English Bay Teddy when breaking his maiden in May. If he can recapture that, following two mediocre efforts, he’d have a solid chance in what looks a wide-open affair.
Sunday’s Picks
Pub Night Fundraiser for Hastings’ Riders
Our pub night fund raiser is fast approaching. We have some cool items for our silent auction including Canucks tickets, generously donated by Willow Creek, Canadians tickets and a VIP Day at the Races package for six which includes, programs, box seats, food platters and six $20 betting vouchers, provided by Hastings Racecourse which is awesome! We’re also doing a 50/50 and a twoonie toss or two! Please come out and support this worthy cause that has helped so many of our Hastings Family! Thank you in advance for your support and we’ll see you there! PS I’m sorry to inform everyone that there are no minors allowed in the pub, sorry for the inconvenience — Lisa Russell
Breakfast With the Horses
ATTENTION: TRAINERS & RIDERS
Sunday, July 30, 2023 | 8:30 – 10:30am
CLOCKER’S CORNER RETURNS!
40-60 PEOPLE WILL BE TRACKSIDE ~ (WOOD PATIO NEAR WINNER’S CIRCLE)
PLEASE INVITE ALL OWNERS & FRIENDS
Morning hosted by HPBA with generous support from Hastings Racecourse and BC Racebook.
Mustang Car Show
