Deputy Country eyes 3-peat

EDMONTON, Alberta - Deputy Country, last season's Alberta horse of the year, goes after his third consecutive stakes victory in the $50,000 Westerner at Northlands Park Sunday.

In the Westerner, the final prep for the $100,000 Speed to Spare here Sept. 10, Deputy Country will renew his rivalry with Beau Brass, who was runner-up to him in both the Spangled Jimmy and Klondike handicaps.

Deputy Country is owned by Arnold Heppner and will be ridden by Leanne Painter for the third straight time in the Westerner, which will be run at 1 1/16 miles. Trainer Red Smith has said there is "a possibility" that he will run front-running Deputy Country in the 1 3/8-mile Speed to Spare.

The lone victory this year for Beau Brass, who is owned by Tom White, came in his season opener in a six-furlong allowance sprint.

The Joan Petrowski-trained Bubblegum Kid, who won the 2002 Speed to Spare, is still looking for his first victory this season. His best efforts have been third-place finishes in an allowance and the Teeworth Plate.

Deputy Country will run uncoupled from stablemate Kat Kool, who is coming off a win in the one-mile Wheat City at Assiniboia Downs. Kat Kool drew the rail with Deputy Country alongside.

Candid Remark won an optional claimer in his last outing and an allowance at Lethbridge.

After the Run was second to Candid Remark this month and earlier won an optional claimer.