Future starts now for stakes-placed Cinderchance

CALGARY, Alberta - Cinderchance tested stakes foes twice during his juvenile campaign last year and was not disgraced, finishing third in the Sales Stakes and fifth in the Alberta Premier's Futurity, both at Northlands Park. Cinderchance made thee starts in maiden special weight company as well, closing ground each time.

Trainer Rick Hedge has high hopes for Cinderchance, an Alberta-bred son of Incinderator who will make his seasonal bow in Sunday's second race.

Cinderchance's lack of early foot is a concern in Sunday's six-furlong sprint. But if his connections have plans to test the good ones this campaign, Cinderchance needs to pass his maiden exam soon, and this spot did not come up overly tough.

Hedge has enlisted the services of leading rider Quincy Welch after employing Perry Winters for all five of the gelding's starts last season. Welch, who is off to a torrid start at this young meet, breaks Cinderchance from post 3 and undoubtedly will ask for some run early in a field that lacks speed.

Cinderchance's best race last year came after Winters had him close to the early fractions in a maiden sprint contested over a muddy surface last September. He finished fourth that day after closing along the inside, beaten just 1 1/2 lengths, and a repeat of that effort would probably be good enough on Sunday.

The one to catch may be Successville, who hails from the barn of leading trainer Greg Tracy and has the advantage of a four-furlong prep under his belt. Successville, third in that April 10 seasonal bow, will break from post 5 with Frank Gonsalves retaining the mount.