VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Beale Street could be dangerous as the lone speed in a $25,000 claiming race that will serve as the feature race at Hastings on Wednesday.
The 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and goes as race 3 on the eight-race card that begins at 6:40 p.m.
All but one of the six horses entered, Soldiers Return, met in a $35,000 optional race won by Three Wood Aug. 7.
Beale Street opened up a clear lead after the first quarter-mile but Three Wood was breathing all over him before they had gone a half-mile. Three Wood eventually drew off to win by a length over Bearempire. Beale Street, trained by Craig MacPherson, held on well to finish third, and if he can relax a little longer he might be able to take them the whole way with leading rider Fernando Perez retaining the mount.
Bearempire would have easily won the race if he hadn’t dwelt for the second straight time. After spotting the field quite a few lengths at the start, Bearempire made a strong late run to edge Beale Street for second. Bearempire began the year with a win for trainer Robert Gilker in a $17,500 claiming sprint July 1 and was claimed out of the race by leading trainer Troy Taylor. In his first start for Taylor, Bearempire dwelt for the first time in his career when he finished sixth in a $25,000 claiming sprint. He was claimed back by Gilker ,and once again he wasn’t keen on leaving the gate when starter Joe Gray sprung the latch.
Kwik was sent off as the even-money favorite off of his easy win in a $35,000 optional race July 10 but may have bounced after posting is career best Beyer Speed Figure of 85. The track surface was also listed as good, and he may not have cared for the tricky conditions. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he rebounded with a big effort for trainer Toni Cloutier, who has also entered Meaux Power.
Soldiers Return will be trying to win at a middle distance for the first time in his career. Trained by Terry Clyde, Soldiers Return has won 10 sprints from 39 starts but hasn’t finished better than fourth in five starts in races that were longer than six and one-half furlongs. He is coming off of a fast-closing third in a $35,000 optional sprint Aug. 15.
