Iwoodificould gives local scene a try

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Iwoodificould makes his Assiniboia Downs debut in Sunday's featured eighth race, a six-furlong allowance for older horses with a purse of $16,000.

Privately purchased by his new trainer, Emile Corbel, and partners in March, Iwoodificould has not raced since last September at Woodbine when he finished second behind subsequent stakes winner Chris's Bad Boy.

Iwoodificould raced seven times in 2003, winning three and earning $74,626. He breaks from post 3 with Vince Guerra up.

The K-5 Stable will be represented by stakes winners Sir Pucker and Northern Affair.

Sir Pucker came from off the pace to overtake Northern Affair and Smoked Em in the final strides at this level last time.

Trained by Harry Kube, Sir Pucker will be ridden by Tony Matteucci for the first time as Travis Hightower, who was on board for his latest, has opted to stay with Fancy Bru. Sir Pucker starts from post 5.

Northern Affair ran perhaps the best race last time as he turned back pace pressure from Adversary, along with a bid from Smoked Em, before giving way late to Sir Pucker. Paul Leacock rides Northern Affair, breaking from post 4.

Dearest Jack and Fancy Bru exit the same optional claiming race, where they finished first and second. Apprentice Nadia Dohnalova, who picked up her first win aboard Dearest Jack, retains the mount for trainer Bert Blake. They break from post 2. Fancy Bru begins from the rail for trainer Gary Danelson.

Adversary, fourth at this level last time, rounds out the field. He starts from the outside under Jerry Pruitt.