Williams Bags 500th Win
Popular rider Scott Williams put on a consummate pace-setting display aboard Swift Thoroughbreds' Bunny to land the 500th winner of his career on a warm and sunny afternoon at Hastings
HIGHLIGHTS
Scott Williams booted home the 500th winner of his career
Kerron Khelawan and Kimal Santo had riding doubles.
The Pick 5 was hit and paid $522.60.
The handle came in at $309,912.
A splendid afternoon at the track as the glorious weather continued, bringing cloudless skies and temperatures more usually associated with high summer. The track was fast all afternoon, with six of the seven races going the way of runners on, or close to, the pace.
Race 1.
The first on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Vancouver saw Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds and James Redekop's BECKETT’S BEST ($8.90) rally from well off the pace under Kimal Santo to get up late for the victory for trainer Edgar Mendoza in 1:18.05. The Estate of Mauro Comensoli's STANFORD NORTH ran a much improved race, battling on a quick pace (22.00, 45.72). He stayed determinedly in the stretch but was just caught in the closing strides. The Estate of Mauro Comensoli's DIVAANY was given every opportunity by rider Scott Williams being rationed in behind the pace but couldn’t catch the top two and ended up third.
Race 2.
The second of the day went to Willow Creek Farm's FLYING MISS ($9.20), who was away well under Antonio Reyes, raced on the pace through comfortable splits of 24.16 and 47.70 and, when the fillies turned for home, she started to break clear and won nicely in 1:13.38 for trainer Steve Henson. Trinity West Stables and Willow Lake Farms and Stables STILETTOS ONLY was content to trail early, then produced a solid three-wide run under Learie Seecharan to finish an impressive closing second. Harry Houlden and Ashley Martin’s SHESBOURBONONICE was in a perfect spot under Kimal Santo, engaged the leaders on the final turn but couldn’t stay with the top two.
Race 3.
The third race on the program was won by Swift Thoroughbreds’ BUNNY ($5.80), who turned in a powerhouse performance under Scott Williams, winning in wire-to-wire fashion and stopping the timer in a flashy 1:16.05 for trainer Dino Condilenios. The victory gave Scott Williams his 500th career visit to the winner's circle. Nite and Day Stable, Joanne Todd and S & D Holdings LOLA M was relaxed just off of BUNNY under Silvino Morales through the early stages (22.42, 46.19), tried to sprint home with that one and although she could not match strides, was a clear runner-up for trainer Brian O'Connell. Renfrew Racing, B and B Racing, No Trump Stable, Matt Elder and Bill Breen's MATSQUI turned in a good run considering she was not in at her best distance and the race should serve as a good prep for upcoming races at longer trips for trainer Mark Freeman.
Race 4 — The Carole Irene Soderberg Memorial Purse
The fourth race on the card saw Stuart Carmichael and Bill Randall's CURLIN ROCKS ($5.20) make a triumphant return to the races after a 22 month absence, leading throughout and winning smartly under Amadeo Perez in a swift 1:16.61 for conditioner Mark Cloutier. Don and Sue Danard's B C CHU CHU was the lone filly in the lineup and had the unenviable task of chasing the winner through comfortable splits (22.60, 46.28). She turned in an admirable run, finishing a clear second for trainer Mel Snow. Triple 8 Racing's ANDALEIGH trailed early and rallied late to complete the Triactor for trainer John Snow.
Race 5.
The fifth went to Dennis Dale, Tabitha Perry, Sheryle Benson, Paul Cashman and K.D Rycroft Racing Stables WANDALITA ($9.10) via disqualification. Kimal Santo aboard WANDALITA was travelling well in the stretch but was forced to check and clipped heels late, causing her to finish second. She was subsequently promoted to first for trainer Nicole Rycroft. Paul Lesmaurier's NO PEOPLE turned in a huge effort, leading the field through solid fractions of 22.20 and 45.90. She crossed the line first in 1:17.64 but impeded the runner-up and was placed second. RKR Racing's LUCY TREASURE was in a good striking position early under Kerron Khelawan and battled gamely to he stretch before tiring late and finishing third for trainer Nancy Betts.
Race 6.
The sixth race of the afternoon was won by Wil-a-Way Farms, Gail Jewsbury and Pat Jarvis’ DIOCLES ($5.40), who was patiently ridden by Kerron Khelawan, settling beautifully in third behind a tepid pace then produced a strong late surge to gain command and hit the line first in 1:11.10 for trainer Pat Jarvis. Rob and Vicky Gilker's CROWN COUNCIL was away in good order and led the field through fractions of 23.41 and 46.68 with Antonio Reyes at the controls and they just got outrun close to home. Swift Thoroughbreds’ HORATIO was a little wide throughout for most of the journey under Silvino Morales but still able to rescue the third spot.
Race 7.
The final event on the Saturday card went to the Hastings Racing Club and Mainline Stable's FINDING WAYS ($3.80) who showed his customary brilliant gate speed, making the lead under Kerron Khelwaen in 23.54. He was pressured through a half-mile in 46.29 then started to distance himself from the field and won nicely in 1:10.88 for trainer Nancy Betts. James Redekop and Stefan Ferrario's BROKE AN BROKEN was making a sustained move on the stretch turn with Amadeo Perez but had to check nearing the stretch, swerving to avoid a tiring runner and costing him any shot at victory. He safely secured the runner-up spot. Blue Willow Dairy’s ROOKIE YEAR had a tardy beginning for trainer Dave Forster and ended up a fast-closing third with Silvino Morales up.
Hastings Racing Club
Racing continues next Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. First race Friday is 7pm while they get underway at 2:30pm on Saturday.
Friday’s Overnights
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