'Donovan' returning to action

EDMONTON, Alberta - Dignified Donovan, making his first start since winning twice in three outings early this year at Fair Grounds, will return to action at Northlands in Friday's feature, a $40,000 optional claimer at a mile.

A Kentucky-bred 6-year-old, Dignified Donovan was bought as a weanling in 1999 by Donver Stable. He raced at Gulfstream and Woodbine last year and won his first start at Fair Grounds this January in $40,000 company.

Dignified Donovan finished third a month later when he ran for a $62,500 claiming price, and in his last start, on Feb. 21, won on turf for the same price.

Leading the opposition in the field of six will be Eternal Secrecy, who has won his last 2 and 4 out of 5. Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Eternal Secrecy won his last outing in an optional claimer, moved up to first when Winspear was disqualified in a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for $30,000 claimers.

Earlier, Eternal Secrecy was unsuccessful in the Wheat City Handicap at Assiniboia Downs after a 14-length win for $22,000 in the slop at Stampede Park followed by a neck victory for $30,000 here.

Returning to the claiming ranks after defeats in the Speed to Spare are Bubblegum Kid, Kat Kool, and Bonspiel.

Bubblegum Kid is winless this year, with his best efforts being a pair of third-place finishes. Kat Kool, who won the Wheat City, and Bonspiel have each won once this season.