Condition edge to 'Jeremy'

CALGARY, Alberta - King Jeremy and Fussy's Kid, two of the better sprinters on this circuit, head a full field of 10 older runners in a $21,300 optional claimer here Friday that provides superfecta players with one of the most intriguing races of the meet.

The six-furlong sprint will run as the fifth race on a 10-race program, which concludes with the first running of the Stampede Park Classic, a $15,000 Quarter Horse stakes at 220 yards.

King Jeremy, a 7-year-old son of Free at Last, opened his campaign with a strong runner-up effort to repeat winner Dance Me Free going four furlongs here April 10, and he will appreciate the extra yardage on Friday evening.

A multiple stakes winner, King Jeremy worked back smartly on Monday with five furlongs in 1:01.80 for trainer Rick Hedge and may have a conditioning edge over Fussy's Kid, who makes his seasonal debut for trainer Janet Wig.

Fussy's Kid draws inside of his rival and breaks from post 2 under Mike Iammarino. Fussy's Kid, second to champion sprinter Sixthirtyjoe last September in the restricted Red Diamond Express Handicap, is the one to catch despite his moderate work tab this spring.

King Jeremy drew post 7 with Stephan Heiler retaining the call. His best races have come from just off the pace, the type of trip he figures to enjoy here in a field that is not loaded with early foot. King Jeremy has won 10 races from 36 starts and has earnings of $324,850.

Two superfectas per card are being offered this meet, one more than last year, and the fifth race is a superfecta race. The wager is proving increasingly popular.