Alberta Breeders' Handicap goes to Zippity Zap

Zippity Zap sat just off Regal Max before taking over the lead at the quarter pole on his way to winning the $50,000 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap at Century Downs Sunday. He posted a 2 1/4-length victory over Regal Max, who held on well in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up.

Ridden by Rico Walcott for trainer Craig Smith, the winner paid $5.30.

A 6-year-old gelding by Ghostzapper, Zippity Zap is owned by Bar C 5 Ranches Ltd.

The Classic was one of seven Thoroughbred stakes races restricted to Alberta-breds on the 10-race Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Day card. There were also two Quarter Horse added-money races. The races for Thoroughbreds were worth $50,000 each.

With Walcott riding for Smith, heavily favored Dune d’Oro took them all the way in the Alberta Premier's. He paid $2.60 for his one-length victory over Commission Man in the 6 1/2-furlong dash. The final time was 1:20.13

The son of Atreides races for Janet and Gary Kropp, and Bill Dory.

Smart Fix was much the best in the Fall Classic Distaff. The Jerri Robertson trainee won the 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares by 4 3/4 lengths with Rigo Sarmiento up. She paid $4.30 and posted a final time of 1:43.89. Second choice Parcam Cowgirl was the runner-up.

With Dane Nelson aboard, Pearl of Knowledge scored a front-running victory over Music at Work in the Sturgeon River Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. She paid $6.20 and posted a final time of 1:18.77.

Trained by Greg Tracy, the daughter of Cape Canaveral is owned by Don Danard and Jim Juris.

Bar No Q came from a stalking position to upset the Red Diamond Express Handicap. He paid $26.20 for his half-length victory over Irish Gold in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up.

The final time was 1:17.03

The 5-year-old son of Gayego was ridden by Quincy Welch for trainer Rob Grieves. He is owned by Barrie and Collin Quamme and Bar None Ranches Ltd.

Miss Hesi paid $6.20 for her easy five-length romp over A Ring ‘n a Rose in the 1 1/16-mile Alberta Oaks. Ridden by Keihton Natera, she posted a final time of 1:47.57

A daughter of No Hesitation, the homebred filly races for Side Management Ltd., and is trained by Ernie Keller.

Zicatela, $3.50, dueled with Burnin’ Pockets before drawing away late to win the Beaufort Stakes by five lengths. He was ridden by Dane Nelson in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds.

A son of Where’s the Ring, Zicatela is trained by Dale Saunders and owned by Crystal Meadows Farm.