Arthur pursues his own title

CALGARY, Alberta - Racing here has been overshadowed by the run to the Stanley Cup finals of the Flames, who play in the Saddledome adjacent to the Stampede grandstand.

Trainer Floyd Arthur, who admits to having been an Edmonton Oilers fan in the heyday of that dynasty, has been on a bit of a run of his own here this spring, and won his ninth race of the meet on Wednesday evening when Shudabinajumper overcame trouble.

Arthur, a leading percentage trainer year after year on this circuit, saddles S L Charmer in Saturday's featured eighth race, a one-mile conditioned optional claimer.

S L Charmer, a 5-year-old, drew the outside post in the field of seven fillies and mares going a mile - a post that is no bargain on this five-furlong oval with a short run to the first turn. But her late-running style carried her to victory from an outside draw sprinting in her last race.

With little speed in the race, Hastings invader Think Fast, who ran an even race against stakes foes in her Alberta debut May 9, could be in front by herself. Richard Hamel rides.

The forecast for wet weather over the long weekend opens up both Sunday's Teeworth Plate and the Ken Pearson Memorial on the Victoria Day holiday program Monday afternoon. In the Teeworth Plate, Rindanica, Regal Ability, and They Call Me Cody are expected to chase Sprint Championship winner Dance Me Free. The Pearson Memorial features a rematch between A Shaky Start and Raylene.