Deputy Fudge tries for 3rd straight

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Deputy Fudge has won his last two races from off the pace, and with plenty of speed signed on for Friday?s seventh race, he should get an ideal trip in the $30,000 claimer here at Northlands Park.

Pure, Viscount Victor G, and Saskatchewan invader Sand Rush will ensure an honest pace in the one-mile feature, and jockey Perry Winters, who rode Deputy Fudge in his last two, figures to sit a stalking trip behind that trio.

Claimed for $22,000 at Stampede Park on May 31, Deputy Fudge has repaid the investment for owner Kim Bannister and seeks the hat trick for trainer Wendy Kadar on Friday.

Pure drew the rail with Leanne Painter up and faces a pair of speedy rivals enjoying strong campaigns on different fronts. Viscount Victor G began the season in nonwinners-of-three company, won out that condition, and has won four more races while moving steadily up the claiming ladder. Another victory would certainly move Viscount Victor G to the forefront for claimer of the year consideration on this circuit. Roy Ramirez, who has been aboard for four of his tallies, retains the call from trainer Stu Simon.

Sand Rush, winner of six races including four handicaps at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon this summer, could be in line for some laurels on that circuit. Shannon Beauregard will ride Sand Rush, a 6-year-old gelding, in his inaugural outing at Northlands.