Alywyn ready to fire in Duchess of York

Beginning with Alywyn in the $50,000 Duchess of York for fillies and mares at Northlands Park on Saturday, trainer Jim Meyaard is looking at a busy weekend.

Four of his stars are also set to go at Remington Park on Sunday, including No Hesitation, the Grade 3 Canadian Derby winner and a cinch to be named local horse of the year, and Professor Pollard in the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby. Meyaard is also entering Andiotis in the $150,000 Remington Green, in which he will be trying turf for the first time.

“There is also a race for Salt Flat Speed that should fill,” said Meyaard, who has been in Oklahoma for the last couple of weeks. “They are all training very well here.”

Northlands will be simulcasting the Oklahoma Derby on Sunday.

The Duchess of York, the 1 1/16-mile feature, drew nine horses and goes as race 8. Alywyn will be making her first start since she won the City of Edmonton Distaff on Aug. 21, but Meyaard said he thinks she is ready to run a big race.

“She has only had one work, but she trains hard and should be ready to go,” Meyaard said. Alywyn’s main competition could be Miss Victoriana, who shipped to Assiniboia Downs and won the 1 1/8-mile Matron on Sept. 17. Her last win at Northlands was in the $75,000 Northlands Park Oaks last year.

Shakenwithanolive will try to rebound after a fifth-place finish in the Distaff.