Fairmount track report

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. - Saturday's $25,000-added Shecky Greene Handicap could be a turning point in the career of Tic N Tin, the horse of the meet here in 2000 and 2001. In last year's Shecky Greene, Tic N Tin carried 124 pounds to an easy romp at 3-5. But Tic N Tin, now 8, is winless in six starts this year for owner-trainer Ron Brandenburg and has been assigned only 117 pounds, his lightest impost in recent memory. Ramsey Zimmerman has the call.

Just five pounds separate the field of six for the Shecky Greene, an indication of the type of balance that makes this a good wagering race. Cancion Alegre is the starting highweight at 122 pounds with Danush Sukie slated to ride. Cancion Alegre comes off a superb meet at Indiana Downs in which he had two wins and a second in three starts while facing classified allowance company. Cancion Alegre worked a half-mile at Ellis Park in 50 seconds on June 24.

Bulldog George was horse of the meet here last season as a 3-year-old, but has been inconsistent at 4, with one win, a second, and two subpar efforts from four starts. Trainer Jimmy Wiser has added blinkers for the Shecky Greene after a dull effort in his last race on June 3. Bulldog George worked five furlongs in 59.60 from the gate with blinkers June 18 and should be ready to show his best. Regular rider Mike Gale will be in the saddle.