Killin Me Smalls cuts back to sprint for optional claimer

Killin Me Smalls looks like the one to beat in a $25,000 optional-claiming race that headlines a nine-race card Saturday at Northlands Park. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew a solid field of seven older horses, including the speedy multiple stakes winner Hollywood Dreams.

Trained by Greg Tracy, Killin Me Smalls will appreciate the move back to a sprint after opening up a five-length lead before tiring to finish third in a one-mile, $35,000 optional-claiming race with Shannon Beauregard aboard June 21. He was coming off three straight wins sprinting, and it was the first time in his 13-race career that Killin Me Smalls had gone longer than seven furlongs.

Scott Williams will have the mount Saturday. In his two previous races while ridden by Williams, Killin Me Smalls came from a stalking position to win a $25,000 conditional-claiming race May 10 and a $35,000 optional-claiming race May 30. Adding to his appeal, according to DRF’s Formulator, over the past five years, Tracy has a 29 percent strike rate with horses going from a route to a sprint at Northlands and a 24 percent win rate at all tracks. Tracy also is winning races at a 40 percent clip at the current meet.

Hollywood Dreams used his good speed to win seven races in his 25-race career, which includes four scores in Alberta-bred stakes races.

Trained by Dean Martiniuk, Hollywood Dreams set a fast pace before giving in late to Yes He’s Trouble in a $25,000 optional-claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs with Williams aboard June 28. He was coming off a five-month layoff and figures to move forward with a race under his belt.

The capable Quincy Welch replaces Williams, and there isn’t much doubt the veteran rider will be asking Hollywood Dreams, who drew the rail, to use his good speed right from the start.

It always is a good idea to take a close look at which horse leading rider Rico Walcott is riding, and he is on a very sharp Wild Crush.

Trained by Dale Saunders, Wild Crush rallied to win a $17,000 claiming sprint by 5 1/2 lengths June 20. It was his first start since he finished last in a $12,500 claiming race Jan. 25 at Golden Gate. Last year, Wild Crush won four races at Northlands, including the restricted $50,000 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap.

With Mia’s Miracle or Kilohana likely putting early pressure on Hollywood Dreams, the race could set up nicely for Wild Crush.