A day for Saskatchewan-breds

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - A rematch between Wind Dancer and Fargo Forbes in the $10,000 Shortgrass Heritage for 3-year old colts and geldings headlines Saturday's Heritage Day, the richest day of racing in the province. Saskatchewan-breds square off in four gender-restricted $10,000 races, two for 2-year-olds and two for 3-year-olds. The 2-year-olds run 6 1/2 furlongs while the 3-year-olds compete over 1 1/16 miles.

Wind Dancer had won three straight, including the Saskatoon Handicap and the Sales Stakes, before being unable to collar Fargo Forbes and finishing second in the City of Bridges Sophomore here Aug. 6. Wind Dancer has shown the ability to stalk the pace, but he will have to ensure Fargo Forbes doesn't get loose again on the lead Saturday.

Fargo Forbes, last year's top juvenile runner in the province, scored his first victory of 2005 in the City of Bridges and, once again, has little other speed to go with him early. Fargo Forbes has progressed nicely in his last three starts, as he ran third in the Saskatoon, then second in the Sales before notching his victory.

The Parkland Heritage, for 3-year-old fillies, looks like it is Arctic Taliyah's race to lose. With three wins on the year, including an allowance race and the James Leakos Sophomore in her latest, Arctic Taliyah towers over four opponents, all of whom are winless in 2005.

Sheen Sky, winner of the Woodland Heritage at 2, will try to steal the race but has faltered in each of her last two when facing Arctic Taliyah.

This year's Woodland Heritage, for 2-year old fillies, drew six entrants, including the winners of the meet's only two baby races. Excessively Sweet wired the field on July 30 in the Saskatchewan Futurity, winning by 5 3/4 lengths in a slow time of 1:17.20 for six furlongs.

Jack Pot Judy won a four-furlong maiden race two weeks ago in a quick time of 47.40 seconds and should pressure Excessively Sweet early.

If a speed duel does occur, then it may benefit Shadazzle, who closed well to finish second in the Saskatchewan Futurity after breaking a touch slowly.

The Western Heritage, for 2-year old males, drew just four entrants and will be run as a non-wagering event leading off the card.