Cal invader Chief's Magic looks strong

CALGARY, Alberta - Chief's Magic follows in the footsteps of Calfornia shipper Plagiarist in Saturday's six-furlong President's Stakes, with every chance to be similarly successful. Plagiarist came up from California and won of the Stampede Park Sprint Championship here last week.

The $50,000 President's drew a field 10 3-year-olds, the highweights at 119 pounds being Chief's Magic and Freetoleave, the champion 2-year-old male in Alberta last year.

Claimed for $62,500 at Santa Anita on March 30, Chief's Magic worked strongly for trainer Robertino Diodoro after arriving at Stampede Park from California, going five furlongs in 1:01.80 over a surface rated good on April 25. The move was second-fastest of 80 at the distance that morning.

Chief's Magic has proven himself capable on a bullring-style oval, running second at odds of 1-2 in the Barretts Juvenile at Fairplex last September.

Chief's Magic also ran third to Bwana Bull and Boutrous in the California Derby at Golden Gate on Jan. 28, and his current form makes him the one to beat on Saturday. Stephan Heiler will ride.

Freetoleave has worked well all spring for trainer Greg Tracy. His latest was a bullet five-furlong drill in 59.80 seconds on April 28.

Rickey Walcott, who gave a perfect ride to Plagiarist in winning the Stampede Park Sprint by a nose, is aboard. Freetoleave, making his season debut, will break from post 4.