Cloutier and Taylor duel to the wire

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - With only nine days left in the meet every win is important to Troy Taylor and Toni Cloutier, who are tied for the lead in the race for leading trainer. Both Taylor and Cloutier have horses entered in the seventh race on Saturday, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up running for a top claiming price of $11,000.

Cloutier will send out Devils Knight, who drew the rail, and Dalton Green, who will break from the outside post in the seven-horse field. They are owned separately and will run uncoupled. Taylor has entered Windy Day.

Both Devils Knight and Dalton Green were claimed out of their most recent race. Devils Knight, who figures to be sent right to the front, finished second by a neck to Colondelivery in a $15,000 claiming race at 1 1/16 miles on Aug. 19.

Dalton Green won going 1 1/16 miles when he was claimed for $11,000 on Sept 2. A 5-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding, Dalton Green has tactical speed and will likely try to stalk what could be a fast pace.

Devils Knight will be ridden by Keveh Nicholls. Richard Hamel has the call on Dalton Green.

After Windy Day won a bottom-level claiming race Sept. 9, Taylor brought him back for $25,000 on Sept. 22, and he forced an honest pace before tiring to finish fourth.

Mario Gutierrez rides.

If a duel develops between Devils Knight and Windy Day, the race could set up for Louder, who came from well back to win an $8,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles Sept. 9.