Golden Triumph takes class hike in sprint feature

Golden Triumph is taking a big step up in class after winning an $8,000 claiming race Oct. 23 at Santa Anita. Nonetheless, he looks like the one they will have to catch and beat in a $35,000 optional-claiming race Friday night at Northlands Park.

The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and headlines an eight-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Mountain.

Golden Triumph has plenty of back class to handle the jump. Racing for trainer Dino Condilenios at Hastings, Golden Triumph finished second to Taylors Deal in the $50,000 Express in 2013. Prior to leaving for Southern California last year, he won a $25,000 claiming race May 11 and then beat Grade 3 winner Senor Rojo in a $35,000 optional-claiming race June 22.

In California, he was claimed in three straight races, the first time at Del Mar for $20,000 by trainer Robertino Diodoro. His lone win in California came in his last start when he was reclaimed by Diodoro.

He has changed hands since and will be making his first start for trainer Dale Saunders. According to DRF Formulator, over the past five years, Saunders has a 22 percent strike rate when running back newly claimed horses.

Golden Triumph is the speed of the speed and will be tough to catch if he breaks alertly with Rico Walcott riding.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Golden Triumph (Last 3 Beyers: 79-51-59)

◗ He’s fast, loves a bullring, and may have tipped his hand when he worked a sharp five furlongs April 30.

Killin Me Smalls (Last 3 Beyers: 75-80-78)

◗ He improved dramatically in 2014, winning five races, including an upset over the heavily favored For Cash in the $51,260 Westerner.

◗ Trained by Ernie Keller, his best races have come in routes, but he can sprint and has fired fresh in the past.

Election result not favorable

Optimism about the future of horse racing in Alberta was dampened when the New Democratic Party won a majority government in Tuesday’s provincial election. Rachel Notley, the premier-elect, said during the campaign that she was looking at cutting government subsidies to horse racing. Considering that the majority of money that funds purses is generated from slot revenue at Northlands, Lethbridge, and Grande Prairie, the cuts would be devastating.

“I hope when she sees the impact it will have on jobs in the province, she will change her mind,” said Rod Cone, vice president of the local Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “We are hoping to meet with her or her representatives to explain that the money she is talking about is all generated at the three tracks.”

The potential cuts wouldn’t take effect until after the current agreement between the industry and government expires March 31.