Race shape a plus for Amorcito

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A couple of competitive $6,250 claiming races for older horses share the spotlight Tuesday at Hastings.

Fillies and mares are first up on the eight-race card, which begins at 2:30 p.m. Pacific. The 6 1/2-furlong dash drew seven horses and goes as the third race.

Amorcito, Mousey Mousey, and Stevie’s Song each is coming off a win.

Trained by Erick Gutierrez, Amorcito rallied to edge Mousey Mousey in a $4,000 conditioned claimer July 7. Ridden by leading jockey Silvino Morales, Amorcito settled early in the six-furlong dash while Mousey Mousey and Sharp Contrast dueled through

a half-mile in 46.61 seconds. Amorcito started to make her presence known midway on the stretch turn and then angled out to make her winning move.

With plenty of potential speed in the field, she could get a similar trip Tuesday with Morales retaining the mount.

Mousey Mousey came right back to win at the same level for trainer Robert Gilker on July 21. With Efrain Hernandez riding, the 5-year-old daughter of Majestic Warrior tracked Mori Girl before edging clear in the final sixteenth.

She had to work hard for the victory, and it is hard to say how she will respond coming back in just seven days.

Hernandez rides.

Stevie’s Song goes for the hat trick after using her good speed to win in an $8,000 conditioned claimer July 6.

The Demetris Topouzistrained 4-year-old was coming off a romp in her final start as a sophomore on Oct. 26.

Morales rode her in her latest win. Lenny Seecharan, who was aboard for her previous victory, picks up the mount.

Sanawar figures to be favored over five rivals in the fifth race.

Trained by Barbara Heads, he rallied to finish third going 6 1/2 furlongs in his first start of the year on July 6. He figures to move forward with a race behind him while stretching out to his best distance.

The Steve Henson-trained Wise Market could be dangerous if he clears early in the 1 1/16-mile race.

Henson also will be represented by Square Dancer. As the first horse owned by the Hastings Racing Club, Square Dancer is one of the most popular horses to ever race at Hastings. He will be making his first start since he finished second in a $6,250 claimer Oct. 19. The 2015 local horse of the year, Square Dancer is 10 years old and will likely need a start or two to be at his best. He is a deep closer, and the shape of the race probably won’t work for him.

This will be the last Tuesday of the meet. Beginning Sunday, Aug. 2, Hastings will race on Sundays and Thursdays for the remainder of the meet. Post time will be 4:30 p.m. Pacific.