Ice Jamer risks perfect 2001 record

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - Ice Jamer, a multiple stakes winner owned by Vern Dyck and Bob Barr, attempts to extend his 2001 record to four wins in four outings in the $6,000 Marquis Cup here Sunday. The one-mile Marquis Cup is the last local prep for the $15,000 Saskatchewan Derby, a 1 1/16-mile race here Aug. 5

A winner of $31,343 from seven lifetime starts, Ice Jamer is the 124-pound highweight and spots from eight to 11 pounds to his four rivals.

As a 2-year old last season, Ice Jamer won the CTHS Sales Stakes and the Prairie Lily Sales Stakes before tailing off a little and finishing third in the Lashyn Futurity and second in the Marquis Graduate.

This year, Ice Jamer has wired his field three consecutive times, twice in allowance sprints and most recently in a 6 1/2-length victory in the six-furlong Saskatoon Handicap.

The mile distance of the Marquis Cup should pose no problem for Ice Jamer, who is trained by Bob Barr and will be ridden by Hugh Huston.

Take Me Dancer won his maiden and then charged late to finish second in the Saskatoon. Trainer Gerry Williams then shipped Take Me Dancer to Winnipeg for the one-mile North Dakota Derby, and he finished a well-beaten sixth.

Take Me Dancer has the benefit of a start at this distance, which could help him close the gap on Ice Jamer. Serge Rocheleau rides.

Wendys Choice has run third to Ice Jamer twice this year, including in the Saskatoon, and comes off a fourth-place allowance finish against older foes. Walter Ramos Jr. picks up the mount.

Completing the field are Joe Da Boxer, a recent maiden winner, and Teton Temptor, a winner last time out for a $5,000 claiming price against nonwinners of two.