Alicia Memory's boasts strong Beyer Figure

Alicia Memory’s could be tough to handle when she makes her Northlands Park debut in a first-level allowance race for 3-year-old fillies on Friday. The six-furlong sprint attracted six horses and goes as the fourth race.

Alicia Memory’s has raced exclusively on Tapeta at Golden Gate Fields, where she used her good speed to compile a solid 1-2-1 record from 5 starts. She finished fourth in her most recent start, in a $16,000 claiming race going 5 1/2 furlongs on April 18, earning a career-best 65 Beyer Speed Figure. A similar figure would easily win this race and she appears to have trained well since shipping to trainer Riley Rycroft’s barn at Northlands. Alicia Memory’s may have tipped her hand when she earned a bullet for her three-furlong move in 36.20 seconds May 11.

Samarasqueakyshoes makes her first start since she won a maiden race at Northlands last Aug. 14. Trained by Rob Chabot, Samarasqueakyshoes has good tactical speed and could get first crack at Alicia Memory’s. Leading rider Rico Walcott adds to her appeal.

Jennifers Miss, trained by Craig Smith, is coming off a win in a maiden race going six furlongs locally May 2. She finished fourth to Alicia Memory’s when she debuted at Golden Gate on March 6.

Patty Wack could be dangerous in her first start for trainer Dale Saunders. A winner of a $40,000 maiden-claiming race at Del Mar last summer, Patty Wack has not raced since she finished fourth for a $16,000 tag at Turf Paradise on Dec. 3.

Broadway Empire honored

Broadway Empire was named 2013 Alberta Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old at the 40th annual Night of Champions awards dinner last Saturday.

Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Broadway Empire was an easy winner of his two starts at Northlands, in the $50,000 Ky Alta and the Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby. He also won the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park.

He is owned by Robert Howg, Bob Butz, Fouad El Kardy and Rick Running Rabbit

Broadway Empire will likely make his next start in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont on June 7. He was most recently a troubled fourth in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs going seven furlongs on May 2.

“That was a tough race to watch but he came out it in great shape and we’re taking a serious look at the Met Mile,” said Diodoro.

Other horses honored: Commander, older horse; Saturday Nite Ride, older filly or mare; Tell Me Lies, 3-year-old filly; Legend Fortynine, 2-year-old; Habida, 2-year-old filly; Ready Racer, sprinter; Kingoftherockies, claimer; For Cash, champion Alberta-bred.

Veteran trainer Red McKenzie was honored as the horse person of the year.

Awards were also presented to Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. for leading owner and Highfield Stock Farms Ltd. for leading breeder.

Rico Walcott took home the Lou Davies Memorial Trophy for leading jockey. Dale Saunders received the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association trophy for leading trainer.