Howsitgoinghotshot back with right rider

EDMONTON, Alberta - The top graduates from the 2005 Alberta yearling sale are in the limelight at Northlands on Sunday, each seeking to win the major share of the $50,000 purse in Northlands Park's one-mile Sales Stakes for 3-year-olds. Looking to prove again that he's the best of that year's consignment will be Howsitgoinghotshot.

Ridden by Quincy Welch, Howsitgoinghotshot won the Sales Stakes for 2-year-olds in 2006. He followed that victory with a third-place showing in the Alberta Premier's Futurity, which is restricted to Alberta-breds. Since then, however, Howsitgoinghotshot has struggled to find the winner's circle, finally ending a year-long drought on Aug. 3 by winning an optional claimer at 6o1/2 furlongs.

Still, in what might augur for a reversal, Welch returns to the saddle aboard Howsitgoinghotshot on Sunday. He had not ridden the gelding since his successful juvenile campaign.

Breaking just to the outside of Howsitgoinghotshot in the six-horse field is Hurricane Tiki. Since winning his maiden on Julyo8, Hurricane Tiki has strung together two more victories. Most recently, Hurricane Tiki looked strong in winning an allowance race against older rivals, recording a lifetime best Beyer Speed Figure of 83. Rickey Walcott retains the mount.

Kadence has 1 win in 3 starts this year, and has faced tough opposition in his latest efforts.