Bubba Sly looms large in field of six

CALGARY, Alberta - Bubba Sly catches a very suspect group in Saturday's featured allowance for 3-year-olds who have never won two races, and should be the odds-on favorite for trainer Dale Saunders.

Racing secretary Russ Armstrong left the entry box open well past the usual closing time in hopes of attracting more entrants to the six-furlong sprint, which offers an attractive $17,400 purse, but it drew just six colts and geldings.

Bubba Sly, who will have leading rider Quincy Welch in the irons, opened his season with a strong closing move going six furlongs, and if he improves in his second start of the year he will be very hard to handle.

Vancouver horses target derby

The June 14 Alberta Derby seems likely to have a distinct Vancouver flavor if all the intended candidates from there show up.

Trainer Dave Forster has indicated that Royal Hudson, winner of the Ascot Graduation at Hastings last October, has the $125,000 Alberta Derby on his agenda.

Star Prospector ran very well over a sloppy surface to capture the one-mile Hoofprint on My Heart here last Saturday, and trainer Terry Jordan said he will nominate him for the 1 1/16-mile derby.

Jordan said he will also nominate Tigerheat, third in the Jim Coleman Province on May 18 at Hastings, as well as the Sovereign-winning filly Dancing Allstar.

Peaceful Turzia and Savo Island, one-two in the Province, will also be nominated, their connections said.