Hoss Talk

If you're a person who enjoys action and entertainment with a little gambling thrown in for extra fun, then count this as your lucky weekend.

First up, the Breeders' Cup to be shown at Hastings Park and Fraser Downs. Both tracks will remain open for their live horse-racing program.

Sunday, two legends of standardbred racing -- Keith Waples, 78, and Herve Fillion, 62 -- will be at Fraser Downs driving in a series called the "Masters." Fillion, the all-time leading rider/driver, is closing in on 15,000 winners.

Over at Hastings, there's the $100,000 Ascot Graduation Stakes for two-year-olds. Actor/ horse owner Nicholas Campbell of the hit CBC series Da Vinci's Inquest will also be there offering handicapping tips.

If you're betting on the home team, lots of luck -- Appleby Gardens 50-1 (Juvenile Fillies), Chopinina 50-1 (Filly and MareTurf), Wake at Noon 50-1 (Sprint), and Wando 15-1 (Juvenile) were all bred in Ontario.

With a little help from friends Ron Anderson, jockey agent for premier jockey Jerry Bailey, and recently injured Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, let's go "Crush the Cup":

DISTAFF: Azeri at 6-5 and a winner of nine races in 10 starts, she will be my single horse. Second, Imperial Gesture (4-1).

Anderson says: "Jerry's horse Imperial Gesture drew right next to Azeri so he will have a good view of the favourite. I like our horse [Imperial Gesture] she should go right to the front."

Eddie D says: "I finished second to Azeri with Affluent three times, so I know she can do anything. This is a top-notch filly."

JUVENILE FILLIES: The royally bred Storm Flag Flying (Even) has won all her races easily, second Ivanavinalot (10-1).

Anderson: I'm not sure I can outrun Storm Flag Lady, but if anyone does it could be Santa Catalina (4-1)."

MILE: How do you bet against Rock of Gibraltar (1-1), a winner of 10 races from only twelve starts? Second, Good Journey (8-1) who won the Atto Mile at Woodbine.

Anderson: "We ride Beat Hollow (6-1), a nice horse. This is a tough race with the European horses having the edge in this race."

SPRINT: Always the toughest race to handicap, last year the filly Xtra Heat (6-5) finished second in this race, this time she wins. Second is Kalookan Queen (8-1) completing an all-girl exacta.

Anderson: "Orientate (5-2) is a nice horse. I have three very good chances to win a Cup race and this is one of them."

FILLY & MARE TURF: Let's beat the favourite with Kazzia (5-1), a winner of five from six races on both continents. Second, Golden Apple (5-2).

Anderson: "We ride Banks Hill (3-1) who was in a ton of trouble in her last race. Her trainer [Bobby Frankel] says she is better now then ever before."

CLASSIC: Let's go Canadian with former West Vancouverites, John Toffan and Trudy McCaffery's Came Home (4-1) who has been impressive. Second, Medaglia d'Oro (7-2).

Anderson: "Medaglia d'Oro should finish off our day right in the winner's circle. Because there is speed inside, he should be able to lay wherever he wants."

TURF: Looks like an all European trifecta here with High Chaparral (8-5), Golan (3-1) and Ballingarry (5-1) finishing 1-2-3.

Anderson: "Good luck, as we do not ride this race."

FINISH LINES: The racing industry mourns the recent passing of longtime owner/trainer Peter Baumgartner. Our condolences go out to the Baumgartner family.

twolski@shaw.ca

Edition: Final
Story Type: Sports; Column
Length: 568 words
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@shaw.ca