Killin Me Smalls seeks 3-peat

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Killin Me Smalls will be trying to win the Grade 3, $100,000 Premier’s Handicap for the third year in a row at Hastings on Monday. However, he will need to rebound off a last-place finish in an open allowance race at the newly opened Century Downs if he is going to get the hat trick.

The 1 3/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew eight horses. The lone 3-year-old in the field, Hunters Appeal, will carry 117 pounds. Older horses will tote 122 pounds.

Prior to his uncharacteristic performance going seven furlongs on Sept. 23, Killin Me Smalls used his good speed to win four straight stakes at Northlands Park.

Trained by Ernie Keller, he looked unbeatable going into the $67,000 Speed to Spare on Sept. 2. Killin Me Smalls had won his two previous races by a combined 18 1/4 lengths, and when he opened up an eightlength lead in the 1 3/8-mile Speed to Spare, it appeared that he was going to romp by a similar margin. He did prevail but was all out to hold off Royal Warrior by a neck at the wire.

At Century Downs last out, Killin Me Smalls was compromised when he went extremely wide while chasing a fast pace going around the first turn.

“I don’t think he liked the track,” said Keller. “It was opening day there, and it was very cuppy on the outside. He’s doing well, and we know he likes the track at Hastings.”

Killin Me Smalls drew post 5, with usual rider Keishan Balgobin riding.

Highway Boss was ridden by Aaron Gryder when he romped in the slop in the $50,000 S.W. Randall Plate at Hastings on Sept. 9. He should get a similar stalking trip while going around four turns for the first time.

“I don’t know if he can go this far, but he’s training like a tiger,” said owner and trainer Glen Todd. “He’s really peaking at the right time.”

The 5-year-old Kentuckybred will break from post 6 under Gryder.

KEY CONTENDERS

Killin Me Smalls, by Marcavelly Last 3 Beyers: 45-70-94

◗ He is coming into this off a couple of subpar outings, but he has rebounded from poor performances in the past, and with a 4-1-0 record from five starts at the distance, he is still the one to beat.

Highway Boss, by Street Boss Last 3 Beyers: 88-76-66

◗ It is possible that he benefited from the sloppy conditions in the Randall Plate, but he is trending in the right direction, and might have won the Pacific Customs Brokers Classic in his previous start with a clean trip.

Neveradoubt, by Decarchy Last 3 Beyers: 79-77-76

◗ A deep closer, the Barbara Heads-trained California-bred is coming off a third-place finish in the Randall Plate and should have an honest pace to work with.