Northlands Park: Plagiarist looks to string wins together in claimer

Plagiarist will try to win his second straight race when he tackles a well-matched field of older horses running in a $13,000 claiming race that will serve as Wednesday’s feature at Northlands Park. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint attracted eight horses and appears to be up for grabs.

Under a perfectly timed ride by leading apprentice Scott Williams, Plagiarist got up in the last few strides to edge Prospect Begonia in a $13,000 claiming race going six furlongs June 29. It was Plagiarist’s first win of the season, and the classy 8-year-old can certainly string solid races together. In one streak last year, he had 3 wins and 2 seconds in 6 starts. He has won 14 races in his career, easily the most in the field.

Trainer Cody Anderson has named Shannon Beauregard to replace the injured Williams. Williams has been off his mounts since July 3, when a horse he was riding, Bythebeautifulsea, clipped heels and fell. According to his agent, Riley Rycroft, Williams is hoping to get doctor’s clearance to ride Friday.

Offlee Fancee steps up in class after scoring a front-running win over Just Call Me Duke in a $10,000 claiming sprint June 22. Trained by Joan Petrowski, Offlee Fancee received a 74 Beyer Speed Figure for his sharp performance, the best last-race figure in the field.

Prospect Begonia also has good speed and held a clear two-length lead going into the stretch but couldn’t hold off the late move from Plagiarist. It was the first start of the year for Prospect Begonia, and he is certainly eligible to move forward with a race behind him.

Just Call Me Duke closed strongly to finish second to Offlee Fancee and with other potential speed in the field he could get up in time. He was claimed out of the race by trainer Tim Rycroft, and according to DRF ’s Formulator, Rycroft has a 22 percent strike rate when he runs them back the first time.

Ballintoy, third behind Plagiarist and Prospect Begonia, could be ready for a peak effort in his third start at the meet for trainer Rod Cone.

Candlestick Jack moves up in class after a narrow win in a $7,500 claiming race June 15. He has not been worse than third in his last eight starts, but he has been facing easier.

My Choice and Yankee Colonel round out the field.