Sunday's Previews
Sunday's Previews
LUCKY FORCE puts his unbeaten record on the line in the $50,000 Chris Loseth Stakes while classy filly AIR FORCE hopes to make it three-from-three this season in the $50,000 Supernaturel Stakes
DON’TPASSTHEPEPPER makes her Hastings debut after being claimed from Turf Paradise in January. Her ability to adapt to the bullring will need to be taken on trust but she’s been operating well enough at a better level than this to suggest she’s a big threat. THE KAT’S BACK went down swinging on her season debut two weeks ago, when giving way late against Bellaroo, and a repeat of that run, which had JERSEY LILLIE behind her, may well be good enough to win this.
A lot to like about BC CHRISTIE’s last effort when just neck second to Matsqui on what was just her second lifetime start. She had today’s rival CC SUNRISE three lengths behind her that day and, if she progresses again, she’ll have every chance. PETERSON LANDING has been patiently handled and also makes just her third career start and her second of the season after a promising fourth behind BC Christie and co. CHI CHI SONG returns to 6½ furlongs after a good second to Arundel Castle over the long course last time. A repeat of her last effort at this distance, when she was 4th behind Lola M, would make her a tough opponent.
One of the most exciting days of the year is the first chance we get to see juveniles in action and this looks to be a fascinating collection of unraced youngsters. The two Swift entries should draw plenty of attention. HORATIO is a Swift homebred by the former Breeders’ Cup juvenile winner Mendelssohn out of Swift’s wonderful racemare, Snuggles, while PISCO was purchased as a yearling at last year’s local sale. Both have been going well enough in the mornings but, as with all these runners, the betting market may provide the most useful clues. LIZZIE’S RAIN is another well-related youngster who has been working well and is a half-sister to recent winner MATSQUI, while DONNA WYN is out of another outstanding racemare and winner producer in OLE’S MISS.
PAINT ME LUCKY makes his Hastings debut after being claimed in Arizona earlier this year. He’s hit the board in 10 of his past 15 starts and at a level that suggests he should be involved at the sharp end here. RACING RIVER was out-nodded by Makeitorbreakit last time and a repeat of that effort, which had QUAGMIRE behind, gives him a big chance.
LUCKY FORCE puts his unbeaten record on the line here in what is the impressive 3yo’s debut at 8½ furlongs. His win over last seaaon’s champion juvenile LEGACY SQUARE in last month’s Ross McLoed Stakes was on merit and, although Legacy Square was closing in rapidly, there seems little reason why he can’t repeat the dose. TIME TICKER was also plugging on late in the Ross McLoed and he may also benefit from the extra yardage. ACCIDENTAL HERO takes the step up in distance after a rallying fifth in the same race and the Oaklawn Park import, who won a $50k claiming contest at Turf Paradise in March over a mile, looks a clear and present danger.
Leading BC-bred 2yo juvenile filly AIR FORCE lines up here on a perfect hat-trick following two impressive early season wins; most recently, a narrow victory over Above Average and today’s rival, KEY TO SUCCESS. However, her one previous attempt at today’s distance saw her finish third behind today’s rivals, NEIGHNEIGH and MATSQUI. Neighneigh’s two impressive wins last season saw her crowned Champion Open Juvenile filly and her fifth behind AIR FORCE should have blown the cobwebs away. She’ll be closer today. MATSQUI beat BC Christie to break her maiden last time in a race that looked quite strong and she’s another who should appreciate today’s distance. A dual Stakes winner last year, LOVEABOVEANDBEYOND won last time up and was third to Air Force on her season debut. She needs to be on the shortlist.
FINDING WAYS goes for the hat-trick here after back-to-back wins in May and June. A repetition of either of those runs would put him close and he looks a worthy favourite. TIZ VICIOUS makes his debut for new connections after being claimed following his win last time and, while this represents a small step up in class, there was much to like about his gutsy win and he could give the favourite most to worry about. I’M CORFU makes his Hastings debut after being claimed out of Golden Gate Field and isn’t easy to weigh up. He’s been running well enough in deeper waters than he encounters here and could be a real danger.
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Sunday’s Picks
