Sunday's Previews
Hastings hosts another highly-competitive seven-race card which sees previous runaway maiden winner Jose Jose take on more experienced rivals in Sunday afternoon's feature event
EARS TO US makes a first appearance for new connections. The 4yo also drops in class and a repetition of either of his two previous efforts should be enough to get the job done. The lightly-raced SELF SERVING broke his maiden in emphatic style in June and followed up with a solid fourth in good company next time. His most recent run was disappointing but ignore that and he has every chance. Stablemate THREE DAY BENDER fought tenaciously when going down fighting to Rememberthealamo last time. He represents the in-form Steve Henson barn and, with leading rider Amadeo Perez in the saddle, is a must for the shortlist.
IRISH LUNA appears to hold the key to unlocking this particular puzzle. She had today’s rival OSTRACIZE behind when chasing home Silk Stilettos last time and won her previous effort, beating ZETAMARIE, another of today’s foes, in the process. KAY’S KITCHEN can reward value seekers. This is her first effort over the long course but she won, beating Just Misty (third last night), when dropped in class two weeks ago and this represents only small step back up the ladder.
NINE OCLOCK CEASER ran a head-scratcher after blitzing the opposition on her racing debut back in June. However, she proved the win no fluke when agonizingly beaten on the nod by Amanda last time and a repeat of that performance would see her hard to stop here. PEACEHAVEN makes her Hastings’ debut for connections after being claimed out of Golden Gate in June. She’s been plugging away over a mile, or further, and it will be interesting to see how she handles the track and the distance. Her form suggests she should give a good account of herself. TAM TRICKY has missed the board just once in five starts since being brought to Hastings by WYN racing and it’s hard to see her missing it today, either.
KIKI’S SUNDANCER drops several levels onto the bottom rung following a racing debut which saw her trail in behind An Army of Light. She’s certain to come on for that introduction and should be a lot more dangerous in this company. TEXAS MOONSHINE also drops a little in class and a repeat of his 4th to English Bay Teddy earlier this month would make him the one they have to beat. MEMORANDUM should be a lock for the first three based on most of his efforts in California. However, his two runs at Hastings have left some room for improvement. If he can find it, he’ll go close.
This looks like a more suitable opportunity for PENALTY TO RANGERS, who drops in class after finishing some way behind Nine Oclock Ceaser last time. That effort came on the back of a solid maiden victory, however, and she’s clearly a serious threat at this level. A repeat of GWEN’s closing third to Rose of Texas earlier this month make her an essential shortlist inclusion, while the consistent PERFECT PENNY hasn’t finished outside the first four all season.
JOSE JOSE put nine lengths on Bak to Liberty when breaking his maiden in May and didn’t have the clearest passage when unplaced in Emerald Downs’ Allowance company earlier this month. His Hastings reappearance has been eagerly awaited and, while he has yet to take on this 8½ furlong course, he might just be above average. STAY FANTASTIC has done just that this season, winning twice and going down to Just Jimmy in between those victories. Hard to see him not being involved in the finish again today. WISELY PLAYED had PRINCE CAIRO and STORMY BLUE behind when coming with a typically late flourish behind Boitano at the beginning of July and, last time, got within ¾-length of Stay Fantastic. You’ll need him on your side.
CRYPTO MUNNY ran well enough last time, staying on behind the subsequently disqualified Azov Sea and winner Bak to Liberty in what looked an above average encounter for the class. That was his Hastings debut after arriving from California and he should be closer today. Class-dropping LOGICAL AL disappointed favourite backers when fourth to Cab Sav last time but a repeat of his previous effort, when third to Y Vee R and Wisely Played, would give him a leading chance. BETTER TONE had subsequent winner Dynamiter behind when second to Deputy’s Dancer last time and should be a factor again at this level.
Sunday’s Picks
Breakfast with the Horses
Corvette Car Show
Buckle up, car enthusiasts — our Corvette Car Show will be sure to leave you in awe!
If you’re all about fast cars and bold moves, race on over to Hastings Racecourse & Casino on Sunday, July 30, 2023, for an exhibition of droolworthy Corvettes out on the tarmac.
Are you ready to rev up your weekend? Fair warning: attending our Corvette Car Show may cause serious neck strain from constant head-turning and leave you with a serious case of car envy!
Admission is free.
DC (Rick) Clough — Obiturary
June 28, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
We, his family, are very sorry to tell you that DC (Rick) Clough – our rock, role model, guiding spirit and “force of nature” – passed peacefully in the night, June 28, 2023…
… As a volunteer, he made tremendous impact as President of the BC Thoroughbred Horse Society in the 1980s and Chair of the Pacific Racing Association, which operated Hastings Park Racecourse, in the later 1990s.
For his service, among many honours, he was inducted into the Jockey Club of Canada; was recognized as “Man of the Year” in White Rock, BC, where he poured countless hours of work into organizations such as the White Rock-South Surrey Foundation; and received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal as well as Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow award. He also ran numerous election campaigns, and created countless friends on both sides of the House along the way.