It could be Rindanica's turn to win

EDMONTON, Alberta - Rindanica is looking for a long-overdue victory in a $40,000 optional claimer Friday, after being a strong contender in an ambitious stakes campaign.

A 5-year-old Kentucky-bred trained by Riley Rycroft, Rindanica will drop back to 6 1/2 furlongs after going 1 1/16 miles last out. He has five rivals Friday.

Rindanica has been second or third in all but one of his six 2005 appearances; he was fourth to Deputy Country in the Spangled Jimmy in early July. Quincy Welch retains the mount.

Former Alberta champion older horse Code Name Fred gets in Friday under the $40,000 claiming option. A 9-year-old, Code Name Fred opened a light campaign by winning a Sales Stakes in Calgary. He has since been sixth and fourth.

Also in for $40,000 is Prineville, who was beaten a half-length against $30,000 claimers in his Northlands debut. Before his third-place finish at Sunflower Downs on June 30, Prineville raced twice at Fonner Park in Nebraska and won a $30,000 stakes.

Fly Esteem, who has not won since winning the Alberta Derby in 2004, was third in the Stampede Sprint in April but then finished last in the Spangled Jimmy.

Also running are Thunder Force, who is coming off a second to Taiaslew at Friday's distance, and Double Doc, who was third in the same race.

* The annual Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society yearling sale will run here following the Saturday and Sunday cards.