Here’s a small preview of what to expect tomorrow, by Tommy Wolski’s Sport of Kings TV.

First race is at 12:20 noon.  Hastings has put together a 10 race card on what has become the signature day on the racing calendar here in Vancouver.  There’s even a possibility of a Pick 5 carryover, if no punter snags the $10,308 that was carried over from Saturday.  With most of the main US tracks dark on Monday, TVG will be airing all of the races live, giving Hastings some good exposure to horseplayers across the continent.

In what seems to be an open stakes, #1 Simon Templar had a decent effort in his maiden race and looks to improve.  #2 Royal Victor should also be showing some improved form, and gets a jockey change with Richard Hamel.

Although it’s a short field, this race is by no means a given for Cherokee Notion. #5 Classic Alley Kat will be taking on the boys in this one, and although she didn’t have much success vs open company last fall, trainer Elizabeth Stolzenberg has been absolutely crushing this Hastings meet, winning at an incredible rate of 41%.

2011 has been quite the year for #4 Wando Woman so far.  She’s firmly established herself as one of the top female runners at Hastings, winning both sprints and routes in dramatic fashion.  Still, none of these horses have won at the distance of 1 1/8 mile yet, so we could well see  an upset.  The question is, who?

This is probably the most difficult race on the card, at least from a handicapping perspective.  Any ideas ?

A competitive race to kick off the late Pick 4.  It’s tough to narrow the field down here, as there are probably 4-5 runners that could take this race.  #1 Camino is exiting an allowance race where she showed tremendous turn of foot to win her first route, but may not like the rail spot here.  Morning line favourite #8 Victory with Class was sent off at odds of 21-1 in the Supernaturel, so it’s abit surprising to see her drop to 3-1 today.  To her credit, she did have a sharp workout on July 24th.  #9 Tecolote has been showing steady improvement in her last 4 races, and fired a bullet work on July 23rd.

The favourite has taken this race 10 out the last 13 editions, with the average mutuel being an underwhelming $6.81.  I think we’re due for a bigger price, and this might be the year.  In what’s likely a preview for the BC Derby, I think there’s a fair chance of a contested pace.  Two longshots worth considering here might be #2 Tarue Grit and #9 Goldfire.  Leading rider Mario Gutierrez gets the call on #2 Tarue Grit, who was a game 3rd in his last race.  #9 Goldfire has not raced since June 5, but just might be one of those horses that hits the board at a massive price.

Much has already been written about #6 Spaghetti Mouse’s drive to 1 million in earnings.  If he were to win, however, he’d be making BC Cup history also.  To date, there has not been a three time winner of the BC Cup Classic.  Arctic Son (98,99) and Lord Nelson (01, 03) have come close, with two victories each.  Age does not seem to be an issue here, with 8 and 9 year olds taking this race in recent years.  #1 Ganbei is another horse to keep an eye on here.  Although he hasn’t hit the board in 2011, he’s seems to be in good form and I would expect something from him.  #8 Almost Time deserves respect, but will be a difficult wager at even money or less.