Killin Me Smalls brings class to Getty

Trainer Ernie Keller is hoping Killin Me Smalls can move forward off his win in the $50,000 Fred Jones Handicap at Northlands Park on June 30. If he does, the two-time horse of the year in Alberta could be tough to handle in the $50,000 Don Getty Handicap at Northlands Saturday.

The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew seven horses, including the 2017 local horse of the year Trooper John.

Killin Me Smalls dominated the older handicap division at Northlands last year, but after winning the $67,000 Speed To Spare there he finished seventh as the odds-on favorite in an open allowance race at Century Downs. He followed up with dull efforts in the Grade 3 Premiers at Hastings and the $100,000 Harvest Plate at Century Downs to close out his 2017 season.

He ran okay at Northlands in his first two starts this year, but then faded badly to finish seventh in the $50,000 Spangled Jimmy on June 9. His owners, Deltin Stable and Ed Welsh, considered retiring the classy 8-year-old. However, Keller talked them into giving Killin Me Smalls one more shot and, with Larry Munoz riding, he came from a stalking position to win the Fred Jones by 2 1/2 lengths.

“It had been so long since he ran a good race that it was nice to see him run like that again,” said Keller. “He’s been training well, so he should run another good race. I think having Larry riding him helped. He’s been his exercise rider for the past year and a half so he knows him better than anyone.”

Killin Me Smalls will break from post 5 with Munoz retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Killin Me Smalls, by Marcavelly
Last 3 Beyers: 81-54-71

◗ The two-time Grade 3 winner with $696,835 in earnings is the class of the party, is versatile, and should get a nice trip from a forward position.

Trooper John, by Colonel John
Last 3 Beyers: 82-83-72

◗ Trained by Tim Rycroft, he missed the Fred Jones due to a minor issue, but he has a 6-4-1 record from 11 starts at Northlands. With a solid five-furlong move on July 10, the multiple stakes winner should be ready for a good effort.

Double Bear, by Kentucky Bear
Last 3 Beyers: 78-82-70

◗ He dueled through honest fractions and held on well to finish second in the Fred Jones.

◗ The Rod Cone-trained 4-year-old came back with a sharp half-mile move July 14 and could be the one they have to run down from post 2 with Dane Nelson riding.