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Hastings Racecourse presents a compelling seven-race card featuring a mix of claiming races, an allowance optional claiming event, maiden claiming action, and the highlight Glen Todd Ascot Graduation Stakes for two-year-olds. The program offers diverse betting opportunities across various claiming levels, with purses ranging from $11,000 to the stakes race offering $50,000.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Current conditions show mostly cloudy skies with temperatures around 57°F and light winds from the northwest. The track is expected to remain fast for dirt racing, with only a 20% chance of precipitation during racing hours. The mild October weather should provide ideal racing conditions for both horses and spectators.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Claiming $4,000, 1 1/16 Miles

Key Contenders: Nu Blend (#2) brings tactical speed under Antonio Ambrosio Reyes for trainer Mark Cloutier. The four-year-old filly has shown consistency at this level. Certifiable (#3) offers value as a seven-year-old mare with experience at the distance, though the weight allowance may not be enough to overcome class limitations.

Secondary Choices: Miss the Hype (#4) represents the Robert Maybin stable and could benefit from the slight weight break. The six-year-old mare has run respectably in similar company.

Longshots: Neighneigh (#1) could surprise at long odds, while Matsqui (#5) faces questions after recent scratches but cannot be dismissed entirely under Kimal Santo.

Pace Analysis: The race lacks early speed, suggesting a moderate pace that could favor closers. Nu Blend may be able to control the tempo from a stalking position.

Wagering Strategy: Nu Blend on top in exactas with Certifiable and Miss the Hype underneath for value.

Race 2 – Allowance Optional Claiming $17,500, 1 1/16 Miles

Key Contenders: Seas of Normandy (#1) appears the class of the field as a five-year-old gelding with solid recent form. Newhart (#4) represents strong trainer Mel Snow and should appreciate the step up in distance.

Secondary Choices: Touch the Sun (#4) under Reyes could find the pace scenario favorable from an outside post. Bak to Liberty (#6) with Santo provides closing kick potential.

Pace Analysis: The race should unfold with honest early fractions, setting up a competitive finish among the top contenders.

Wagering Strategy: Seas of Normandy stands out as the most logical choice, with Newhart offering value in underneath positions.

Race 3 – Maiden Claiming $6,000, 6 1/2 Furlongs

Key Contenders: Golden Regal (#3) makes his career debut under Santo, representing trainer Patty Leaney. The three-year-old gelding should be competitive fresh. Max Booster (#4) brings experience advantage as a five-year-old but questions remain about his ability.

Secondary Choices: Little Tribune (#2) from the Maybin barn could improve with Ridge Balgobin aboard. Miss Larue (#6) represents another strong trainer-jockey combination in Snow and Christopher Roy Mamdeen.

Longshots: Kitten Kandy (#1) debuts with an interesting trainer-jockey team, while Flagstaff Jim (#7) could offer value despite recent scratches.​

Pace Analysis: Sprint distance should favor early speed types, with the pace likely to be honest throughout.

Race 4 – Claiming $12,500, 6 1/2 Furlongs

Key Contenders: Counteract (#3) brings class and should handle the distance well under Santo. Vector (#4) represents the Craig MacPherson stable with Reyes aboard, combining reliable connections.

Secondary Choices: Rockcliffe (#2) has shown flashes of ability and could benefit from the Keith Pedersen training. Pay My Way (#5) brings veteran experience but faces a tough task.

Pace Analysis: The race should develop solid early fractions with multiple speed types engaged early.

Race 5 – Claiming $4,000, 6 1/2 Furlongs

Expert analysis shows Parker Point (#1) as the standout choice with strong recent form and an excellent jockey-trainer combination. The seven-year-old gelding has been running well and gets favorable weight relief.​

Key Contenders: Parker Point (#1) leads all statistical categories and appears primed for victory. Time Ticker (#2) represents Steve Henson and could factor with his closing style.

Secondary Choices: Our Bloke (#3) brings tactical speed under Santo, while Cascade Billy (#4) has shown improvement for trainer Mel Snow.

Wagering Strategy: Parker Point deserves strong consideration as a single in multi-race wagers, with Time Ticker and Our Bloke providing exacta value underneath.

Race 6 – Glen Todd Ascot Graduation Stakes, $50,000, 1 1/16 Miles

The 60th running of the Glen Todd Ascot Graduation Stakes headlines Saturday’s card at Hastings Racecourse, honoring the memory of Glen Todd, who provided crucial financial support to keep racing alive during the pandemic. This $50,000 guaranteed stakes race for two-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles represents a significant test of juvenile stamina and class.​

Field Analysis

Top Contenders:

Debrusk (#1) – 25% Win Probability
The morning line favorite at 2-1 brings the strongest statistical profile with a 25-49-73% win-place-show projection. Racing as a two-year-old gelding for trainer Dino K. Condilenios, Debrusk has earned $174,000 in career earnings with an impressive 67% win rate and perfect 100% in-the-money percentage. His “Fastest Stalker” running style should be ideal for the route distance, allowing him to track early pace and make a sustained drive. Silvino Morales rides for the connection that shows a solid 21% win rate.​

Ole’s Surprise (#5) – 30% Win Probability
Despite never winning a race (0% career win rate), this gelding shows an remarkable 81% show percentage, indicating consistent competitiveness. The 3-1 second choice brings only one career start but finished second in that debut effort, suggesting significant improvement potential. Mark Cloutier’s 33% win rate with limited starts provides confidence, while Antonio Ambrosio Reyes takes the mount.​

Sunny Wishes (#3) – 20% Win Probability
The lone filly getting weight relief (119 lbs vs. 122 for colts/geldings) brings strong credentials with $90,000 in earnings and a 50% career win rate. Barbara Heads trains this “Fast Leader” with an impressive 28% win rate and 66% in-the-money percentage. Kimal Santo’s 22% win rate provides additional confidence for this 7-2 third choice who should control early fractions.​

Secondary Contenders

Karensnotimpressed (#4) – 15% Win Probability
The 4-1 fourth choice brings solid consistency with $123,200 in earnings and perfect 100% in-the-money record despite a modest 33% win rate. This filly’s “Mid Pack Stalker” style could benefit from expected pace pressure, with Kerron Khelawan’s strong 29% win rate providing tactical advantage.​

Helioo (#2)
Trainer Mel Snow’s colt shows modest credentials with $21,600 in earnings and 40% win rate. The “Slowest Deep” closer may struggle with the pace scenario but Richard Balgobin’s experience could prove valuable at longer odds.​

Stormy Lent (#6)
The longest shot at 12-1 has never won in four starts despite consistent in-the-money finishes. This “Mid Pack Closer” from Patty Leaney’s barn faces a significant class test.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with Sunny Wishes likely to establish early fractions as the designated “Fast Leader,” potentially pressed by Debrusk’s stalking tactics. The 1 1/16-mile distance should allow for developing pace scenarios, with mid-pack runners like Karensnotimpressed potentially benefiting from early speed duels. The route distance represents a stamina test that should favor horses with tactical speed over pure early speed.​

Key Angles

The Glen Todd memorial significance adds emotional value to connections familiar with the track’s history. The race typically attracts competitive local two-year-old talent making their stakes debuts. Weight relief for fillies (119 vs. 122 pounds) provides meaningful advantages over the distance, particularly favoring Sunny Wishes and Karensnotimpressed.​

Wagering Strategy

Win Bet: Debrusk (#1) offers the strongest statistical profile and ideal stalking position
Place/Show: Ole’s Surprise (#5) shows remarkable consistency despite lack of wins
Exacta: Key Debrusk over Ole’s Surprise and Sunny Wishes
Trifecta: 1-5-3 box with Karensnotimpressed (#4) for fourth
Superfecta: Expert pick suggests 5-1-3-4 combination for maximum profit potential​

Final Assessment

This competitive stakes race offers multiple legitimate winning chances, with Debrusk providing the most reliable option based on class, earnings, and running style. The route distance should separate genuine stakes-caliber juveniles from sprint specialists, making this an excellent test for future development. The race honors Glen Todd’s legacy while showcasing the next generation of Hastings Racecourse talent.​

Race 7 – Claiming $4,000, 6 1/2 Furlongs

Key Contenders: Prince Cairo (#3) brings class and experience with Richard Balgobin aboard. Quagmire (#2) represents the Steve Henson barn and could benefit from the distance.

Secondary Choices: Arikara (#4) from the Maybin stable offers value potential, while Knopfler (#5) cannot be dismissed under Silvino Morales.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Kimal Santo leads the rider colony with multiple mounts and strong connections across the card. His partnership with trainer Larry Grieve and others has proven successful. Richard Balgobin brings veteran experience and rides for top trainers throughout the program. Antonio Ambrosio Reyes handles key assignments in longer distance events where his patient style should prove effective.​

Trainer Notes and Insights

Robert Maybin sends out multiple horses and has shown good form recently with his claiming string. Mark Cloutier and Mel Snow represent solid training operations with tactical approaches. Steve Henson’s runners typically come ready and should be respected in their spots. Craig MacPherson’s stable has been competitive and warrants attention.​

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Focus on Parker Point (#1) in Race 5 as a potential single in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences. The Glen Todd Ascot Graduation Stakes offers competitive fields where longer-priced horses could provide significant payoffs. Consider boxing the top contenders in the stakes race for trifecta value.

Daily Double opportunities exist connecting Race 1 Nu Blend with Race 2 Seas of Normandy. The late Pick 4 beginning with Race 4 presents value with Parker Point anchoring the sequence.