Hoss Talk

A horse that gets no respect, a driver with an astonishing winning record and a racetrack that may need radar to slow down speeders are only a few of the stories unfolding at Fraser Downs this season.

On Friday, Bre X, owned by Tanti & Kadence Stables, again proved at age six he is not slowing down, but getting faster with age.

Within the last two weeks, Bre X, the gelded son of Dal Reo Hop Sing out of Punch Line, has broken the track record at the Downs twice.

For years, Bre X has not received the media recognition he deserves, despite twice being named Older Horse of the Year and career earnings of more than $279,566.

"Bre X has always been overlooked when it came to media exposure," said trainer Wayne Isbister. "You could call him the Rodney Dangerfield of Fraser Downs."

THE DOMINATOR: As he has done for years, trainer/driver Bill Davis is right back doing what he does best -- winning. Since arriving late to Fraser Downs from Alberta, "the Dominator" has been visiting the winner's circle at an astonishing rate.

Not only does Davis top the driver's standings with 25 winners, he is doing it at an amazing 44 per cent win rate. Davis also leads all trainers with an unheard-of 61-win percentage and 20 winners.

SPEED CHECK: It appears the newly renovated racing surface at Fraser Downs, along with the perfect weather, has created faster times, while remaining safe. Since Sept. 21, there have been 13 new lifetime bests by horses.

In the past, horses were unable to gain ground on the turns. Now racing fans are seeing horses coming off the stretch turn like they've been shot out of a slingshot, making for exciting finishes.

FANTASY! Proving size does not matter, Rafter F. Ranches' small but courageous Comic Opera won Saturday's $50,000 Fantasy Stakes at Hastings. Comic Opera trained by Jim Brown paid $13.20 to win.

"She [Comic Opera] may be small, but she has the heart of a lion," said winning jockey Fernando Serna. "I knew at the top of the stretch, we were going to win."

NO LOGO: A cease and desist letter has been sent to a management company representing jockeys wishing to place advertising on their riding apparel at the upcoming Breeders Cup races at Santa Anita in California.

SCRATCH: Horse of the Year candidate Mineshaft will not race in the $4-million Breeders' Cup Classic later this month.

"An examination after the Jockey Club Gold Cup showed a chip in his right front ankle was displaced and free-floating," said trainer Neil Howard.

"Also revealed was a new non-displaced chip in his left front ankle, and another problem was discovered in his right knee. On advice from our veterinarian Mineshaft will be retired."

Tom Wolski can be seen on The Sport of Kings on Citytv at 11 a.m. on Saturdays

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com