Bue Moon set to shake seconditis

EDMONTON, Alberta - Bue Moon seeks to cure her case of seconditis in Friday's feature, a $22,000 claimer at one mile that drew six mares here at Northlands Park.

Since being claimed out of a $22,000 sprint on June 1 at Stampede Park, Bue Moon has brought home place money four straight times, all at this level and distance. Stephan Heiler once again rides Bue Moon for trainer Stu Simon and will break the 7-year-old from post 2.

Her stalking style and advantageous post fit the profile of this race and ensures attention at the mutuels for Bue Moon, who has been favored in three of her last four tries.

The probable pacesetter is River's Reach, who also hails from Simon's barn and draws the rail with regular rider Jake Barton up. River's Reach was beaten a head in the photo for place by Bue Moon last out after dueling early and leading past the furlong pole.

Tas Force won that race courtesy of a well-judged ride from returning rider Quincy Welch, who was patient early and used a three-wide bid on the turn for home. It was Tas Force's first start for trainer Ron Grieves and the first mile tally for the 5-year-old, who has been a popular item at the claim box this summer.

The upsetter could be Arsen Annie, who ran into a buzzsaw in Hastings shipper Lasting Lake going 6 1/2 furlongs here Aug. 12. Arsen Annie was favored off her excellent Emerald Downs form, but was no match for Lasting Lake and finished third. She drops a notch here, draws the cozy post 3, and retains the services of leading rider Rickey Walcott.