The Countdown Begins
It's been a less than hospitable spring, but the 2023 season is now just a week away as trainers continue to put the final touches to their charges ahead of opening day
Hastings’ trainers were again forced to ignore the spiteful April weather we’ve been enduring to put final touches to their horses ahead of next weekend’s opening day. Around 140 horses featured on this week’s work tab, including a second consecutive eye-catching piece of work by last season’s BC Oaks third, VIVA LA VINO (pictured below). There were 53 workers on Friday, meanwhile, with the rapid SMART LAD and Supernaturel runner-up BELCARRA PARK stopping the clock joint-fastest of the 35 who went five furlongs. The sun is rumoured to have scheduled an appearance for next week — right on time!
Three-to-Follow
This week’s Three to Follow selections come from BC Racebook Events Coordinator/Analyst and seasoned work rider, Bailey Williams.
Bailey, wife of leading Hastings’ rider Scott Williams, is a familiar face on the backstretch and, as an in-demand exercise rider, has a better view of morning workouts than most! Bailey grew up in racing, first in Alberta where her dad is a trainer and then as a work rider in a variety of States. She moved to BC racing in 2016 and provided multiple BC Derby post-race mounted interviews between 2017 and 2019. Bailey has also kept the racegoers informed as a paddock analyst since 2021 and started her role with Racebook prior to the 2022 season.
CUBAN COBRA (FL), 2020, dk b c by Flat Out - A E Phi Sensation (Johannesburg)
Owner: Crystal Cates and Gonzalo Anderson
Breeder: Moonshine Meadow Ranch
Trainer: Gonzalo Anderson
The Florida-bred three-year-old CUBAN COBRA (Flat Out) ran out a very impressive maiden victor at first asking before going on to win the Black Type Canadian Juvenile Stakes at Century Mile last August. A month later he captured the Winnipeg Futurity, as well. In only five starts he has yet to finish worse than second. We have seen Flat Out-sired young horses excel over the Hastings oval and his current work tab suggests that Cuban Cobra will also enjoy racing here. What is even more promising to see is the very strong gallop-out that follows each work. Watch for the invader Cuban Cobra when the connections lead him over — Bailey Williams
MATSQUI (BC), 2020, dk b f by Finality - Queen’s Emblem (Mass Market)
Owner: Renfrew Racing, B and B Racing, Matt Elder, Bill Breen
Breeder: Suzanne I Anderson
Trainer: Mark Freeman
Although still looking for her maiden win, the BC-bred MATSQUI (Finality) should be one to consider this year. Despite struggling to find a clean trip last season, every start showed promise. She has a nice ratable style, which proved to be very effective in her final runner-up effort in the Fantasy Stake. The more distance that was thrown at her the more exciting she was to watch. While Matsqui is only recently starting her recorded workouts, wait for her to hit the entry box going 6½-furlongs or further, as that is where I think this filly will be able to capture that well-deserved maiden victory — BW
APPELLANT (KY), 2015, dk b g by Midnight Lute - Caged Mistress (Ministers Wild Cat)
Owner: Helen Jewell
Breeder: Glen Todd
Trainer: Ian Jewell
There is a lot to be said for a good ol’ war horse and, after being claimed in the middle of last season, APPELLANT (Midnight Lute) has yet to miss the board for his new connections. With the desire to run all day and a very aggressive way of training, it seems he is only getting better with age. After a couple of light breezes, Appellant has hit his stride with a couple of strong 5/8th of a mile works. We may not see him during the first couple of weeks of racing but, once they start to stretch out the distance, look for this striking bay gelding to make his presence felt again this year — BW
Dawn of a New Woodbine Thoroughbred Season
The return of track-record-setting debut winner BOTTA SWING highlights the opening day card of the 2023 Woodbine Thoroughbred season, Saturday, April 22. The fast Ontario-bred filly, owned by Hoolie Racing and Bruce Lunsford and trained by Barbara Minshall, has post position 9 in the 5 furlong 6th race, a $111,000 allowance/optional claiming dash. Two-time Sovereign Award winner Kazushi Kimura rides the daughter of Not This Time – Lady of the Glen by Purim, who won her debut May 1, 2022, racing 4 1/2 furlongs in 50.94 over a very fast Tapeta surface.
This weekend’s two days of racing to kick off the 133-day meeting came up light in entries, not unusual for early spring, especially when the overall horse population is light.
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Backstretch News
Heather Praill, 16, received her pony licence last week and was almost immediately in demand. Ponies and their riders are essential to the smooth running of operations at Hastings and the role requires dedication, skill and no little riding talent. Heather, daughter of HBPA Director Denise Praill, has been riding for around six years and was adamant that she wanted her driver’s licence and her pony licence this spring - well, she’s two for two!
Heather, who is in the International Baccalaureate program and due to finish grade 11 in June, is grateful for the support of the many people who helped her achieve the equine part of her personal parley, including trainer Barbara Heads, Cindy Barroby and her long time riding coach, Carmen Kramer.
Hastings Racing Club
At $300 per season, the Hastings Racing Club is just about the best value in sport! Where else can you get backstage passes with access pretty much all areas, as well as being able to see horses running in your colours? You’ll also get to meet lots of like-minded new friends, spend afternoons in the open air and experience the indescribable thrill of Thoroughbred horses in action. And don’t forget the bragging rights when you tell friends and colleagues that your ‘horse is running today’!
There are a few memberships still available for the coming year but they’re going fast. Like all the best jockey’s, knowing when to hit your spot is crucial. Don’t miss out!
New Stride News
And Finally…
Huge thanks to Willow Creek for their generosity in providing lunch for the backstretch community this Sunday.