Kalfaari too much for locals

EDMONTON, Alberta - When Kalfaari arrived here for the $40,000 Spangled Jimmy on July 5, he was in the midst of a six-race win streak.

Racing in the mud here, he carried on his winning ways by defeating a strong field that included Alberta's 2002 horse of the year, Sixthirtyjoe.

Following that victory, owner Clint Willson considered a number of options, including shipping to Chicago, but in the end he decided to stay in western Canada, and on Saturday Kalfaari made his second start at Northlands Park.

Once again, Kalfaari, a British Columbia-bred 6-year-old, was too much for the field, as jockey Sean Evans gave him a perfect trip in taking the winner's share in the $40,000 Klondike over 1 1/16 miles.

As expected, Kalfaari stalked through the first six furlongs before advancing through the final turn.

At the top of the lane, Kalfaari was 1 1/2 lengths behind Lord Shogun, but Evans urged him down the stretch, and overtook the leader at the wire to score by a neck.

Willson will now have another decision to make, but if he stays in Alberta, Kalfaari probably will point toward the $50,000 Sun Sprint on Aug. 4.

Excellent Blend steps up

Friday night's card also featured a stakes, as the top local 2-year-old colts and geldings battled in the mud in the $40,000 Edmonton Juvenile.

Excellent Blend, the favorite, asserted himself as the early choice for the $75,000 Canadian Juvenile here Oct. 13. Coming off a win in his maiden trip, Excellent Blend looked poised as he stalked the early pace of Fantazmic. Excellent Blend then took the lead and won by 3 1/2 lengths.