Commanding Ace sharp for Northlands test

Commanding Ace will get a serious test when he steps up in class to face a tough group of horses running in a money allowance race at Northlands Park Friday. There is a $40,000 claiming option on the race but none of the seven horses entered in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint is in for a tag.

Commanding Ace, trained by Jim Meyaard, has improved dramatically this year as a 4-year-old. In his final start as a 3-year-old he finished third in a $17,500 claiming race, and his lone win last year was in a maiden special weight race last July 18. In Commanding Ace's two starts at Northlands this year he has scored easy wins, the latest coming in a second level allowance race June 6. He was given an 81 Beyer Speed Figure, which is the best last race figure in the Friday field.

Rico Walcott retains the mount.

Cool Synsation rebounded from a dull effort in the Journal Handicap to win a $30,000 claiming race on July 4. Trained by Cody Anderson, Cool Synsation drew the rail and will likely be put right on the lead by jockey Shannon Beauregard.

Inuit Fisher, second in the Journal, just missed in a one-mile $40,000 optional race July 1. Inuit Fisher can stalk the pace and could get set up nicely if Commanding Ace and Cool Synsation hook up early. Quincy Welch rides for trainer Dale Saunders.

Diamond Doc will appreciate the move back to a sprint. Trained by Albert Strumecki, he won a $40,000 optional race going 6 1/2 furlongs on June 16 and then finished a dull sixth in the same race Inuit Fisher exits.

Mr. Shadar, Millwright, and Tease the Tiger will need to improve to contend for the top spot.