Chief's Magic razor-sharp

EDMONTON, Alberta - Chief's Magic, a double stakes winner last year before tailing off, has rejuvenated his career in the claiming ranks.

Friday evening, Chief's Magic seeks his third win of the Northlands Park meet while moving up another notch to face seven rivals in a $30,000 claimer at six furlongs.

The 4-year-old Chief's Magic owns the top last-race Beyer Speed Figure of 83 after a front-running tally going 6 1/2 furlongs against $22,000 company.

Chief's Magic drew the coveted rail with Rico Walcott back aboard and will likely face early pressure from the rapid Powerful Summer.

Ecton's Gem, who is 2 for 2 at this distance this year, is reunited with leading rider Quincy Welch. He rates a look at a price, especially if the racing surface continues to play kindly to closers.

Trio closing in on $1 million

Test Boy was one of the many closers to win last weekend, and his upset of 1-20 favorite True Metropolitan in the Speed to Spare rates as one of the memorable moments of this meet.

The win for rider Rickey Walcott pushed his season earnings to $922,584, and he leads that category with Welch ($885,114) and Stephan Heiler ($875,632) just behind.

With $400,000 in stakes purses up for grabs on Fall Classic Day here Sept. 27, all three riders have a shot at the $1 million mark.