Classic Crusader tries to pair wins in Wednesday feature

If Classic Crusader comes close to equaling the 81 Beyer Speed Figure he received for his 7 3/4-length romp in a one-mile, $12,500 claiming race Sept. 12, he should easily handle the jump in class when he runs in a $17,500 claiming race at Northlands Park on Wednesday evening. He is clearly the one to beat in the one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up that drew seven horses and goes as race 7 on an eight-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Mountain.

Trained by Rod Cone, Classic Crusader has won 11 times in his 40-race career, and he is capable of putting solid races together. He won three races in a row last winter at Golden Gate Fields before losing by a head when he finished third in a $6,250 claiming race Feb. 6. Acting on behalf of Curtis Stewart, Cone claimed Classic Crusader out of the race. He hasn’t had any trouble adapting to the bullring at Northlands, where he has won three times for Stewart, who races under the stable name CanMedia Inc.

In his most recent win, Scott Williams had him in a stalking position before he took control at the quarter pole. Williams retains the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Classic Crusader (Last 3 Beyers: 81-68-71)

◗ He has decent tactical speed and should get a nice trip from a stalking position.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Cone has a 23 percent strike rate at Northlands with horses who won their previous race.

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Keene On Demand (Last 3 Beyers: 44-74-60)

◗ Trained by Tom Rycroft, he is going to appreciate the easier company after forcing the pace and fading in the $48,620 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap on Sept. 20.

◗ He actually does his best work when he comes from off the pace, so it will be interesting to see if leading rider Rico Walcott lets him settle early. This will be the first time Walcott has ridden him this year. In 2013, he guided Keene On Demand to three wins and a second-place finish in the $50,240 Beaufort for Alberta-bred 3-year-olds.

Royal Grand (Last 3 Beyers: 62-70-73)

◗ He hasn’t won in a while, but there should be plenty of speed to set him up. Trained by Dave Nicholson, he was making a strong move along the rail in midstretch when he clipped heels in a $17,500 claiming race in his last start Sept. 10.