Hastings Spot Plays for British Columbia Cup Day

by John Mucciolo

Six stakes races will be held at Hastings on Monday as part of British Columbia Cup Day. I will shine some light on a few runners that look good to me on the Holiday card.

Race 3

Six will vie in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Handicap and I will go outside for my top pick. #6 TIPTOE (3-1) was a big second while well clear of third in a stakes and route debut last time. The bay daughter of Tiz Wonderful has improved in each of her three lifetime races and gets the nod to inch clear late.

Race 4

Distaff Handicap attracts seven in the 1 1/16-mile affair. #3 GOOD LUCK TO YOU (4-1) seems to be sitting on a big performance. Bellamy Road filly made a strong middle move most recently before tiring some late, and I think she will be primed for a second run off the layoff.

Race 6

#1 PERFECTLY RECKLESS (5-1) ran well in this event last campaign with a wide trip and should relish the rail today. Dave Milburn pupil had a winning prep race in advance of this assignment and owns the pace to be close early while saving ground around the bullring.

Race 7

#7 VINTAGE MAN (2-1) is the play to wire the field in the Nursery Stakes. Texas Wildcatter gelding was super impressive two back when graduating on this strip, posting a 93 BRIS Speed number in the process. Gray had to chase a nice one last time but showed some heart in holding second. Aaron Gryder has the assignment.

Race 8

Ten will go postward in the competitive Classic Handicap. #2 DON’T HOLD ME BACK (9-2) was fourth by a half-length in the 2017 edition of this race. Steve Hanson pupil was a fine winner two back over allowance foes before enduring a tough trip last time and finishing evenly against a few in this cast.

Hold Me Back gelding gets a nice post draw near the rail. And the six-year-old is a versatile sort who can run while on or well off the tempo.