Two Shots for the Club
Hastings Racing Club members will have twice the excitement on Sunday with Hollywood Mistress in the first and Prince Cairo in the second. AT ATTENTION, meanwhile, faces six in the day's feature
Runners and Riders, Sunday July 17
Jersey Lillie made the most of an ease in class conditions last time to win in some style and, while this represents a small step back up the ladder, there was much to like about her win two weeks ago. However, ANOTHERSUNNYDAY is dropped noticeably in class here after finishing third behind Kandy Katie and Wandalita last time. Any similar performance and she’ll be hard to beat. Sky Factor has been knocking on the door and would not be winning out of turn, while the Racing Club’s Hollywood Mistress found the $8k level much more to her liking last time, beating subsequent winner Pretty Aria by a neck. Irish Luna’s third behind Pretty Aria also brings her into contention.
CHASE THE SUN should be a warm order here to complete the hat-trick following two impressive wins; last time beating the rallying Prince Cairo with a late kick. He gives the impression the longer distance shouldn’t be an issue, although it is his first try. There are no such stamina issues for All Liquord Up and He’s Relentless, as they both won over the mile-and-sixteenth on their previous outings. Makeitorbreakit did most of his own donkey work in front last time and may benefit from a livlier pace today.
A talented line-up for what is an ultra-competitive Allowance contest. AT ATTENTION came with a late flourish to beat Stay Fantastic and Explode last time and may appreciate another chance at the distance. Cascade Billy’s third place in the 6½-furlong Lieutenant Governors' Stakes saw him finish a head behind Be Quick and Porter Gent (with Sir Bregovic fourth and Set to Shine seventh) in one of the races of the season, while perennial pacesetter Sir Bregovic should keep everyone honest on the front end. Cha Ching has been doing all her best work late in her races against smart fillies and may appreciate the increase in real estate.
Plenty of these have been close to winning this season and throwing a dart will do you as much good as reading the form. Harlan’s Angel was just a neck behind Lasting Light over this distance two starts ago, while Take Charge Gwen went down by a nose on opening day to Ombre Rose. Like the majority of the runners here, MAKIN IT UP returns to 6½ furlongs and there really isn’t much between her and likely favourite Harlan’s Angel. The veteran Anima has winning form from last year that would see her go close if she can replicate the effort.
Parker Point went down fighting behind the improved Fort Langley last time and he has the benefit of some class relief here. ARCH PRINCE looked good value for his near 3-length win over Black Metal and Pay My Way in June and should go close again, while Fair Grounds import Artistic Jewler may also benefit from this slight ease in class conditions. Slew’s Da Boss beat Arch Prince and My College Fund two starts ago and appeals most of the others.
Another challenging puzzle that may require the trusty dart. TIZ MEOW has finished second in his previous three starts, the most recent of which saw Racing River, Klondike Gentleman and It’s In Command finish behind him. He should be thereabouts again today. You Don’t Own me chased home Khaiky’s Command last time and had Racing River, The Chances R, Reprimand, Sword Fighter, Martello, Sir Barclay and European all in the rear view mirror. He’s definitely one for the shortlist.
Texas Legacy finished third in what was a promising racetrack debut and she can be a factor again today. Cattitude has been busy this spring without winning, but this may be an easier spot and the return to 6½ furlongs could also suit. Similarly, Always in Charge has been bumping into better horses than she meets here, while PAGODA RIDGE’s fourth place behind Silk Stilettos two starts ago gives her a major chance.
Mike and Drew’s Derby Bar & Grill Picks, Sunday July 17
Stats and Facts
Sire Kitten's Joy dies at age 21
The remarkable leading sire KITTEN’S JOY has died. The 21-year-old son of El Prado was discovered deceased in his paddock earlier this week and is thought to have suffered a heart attack. The sire of 15 Grade 1 Winners and 15 Millionaires, he is also the sire of over 110 Stakes Winners. His progeny have earned in excess of $112,000,000 represented by leading runners Champion HAWKBILL, Champion ROARING LION, Champion BIG BLUE KITTEN, as well Breeders' Cup Champions STEPHANIE'S KITTEN and BOBBIE'S KITTEN. He was the Leading Sire on the General Sire list twice, in 2013 with earnings over $11,000,000 and again in 2018 with earnings over $19 million. He was also leading North American turf sire every year between 2013 & 2018.