Killin Me Smalls gets it done in Speed to Spare Stakes

Killin Me Smalls did not win like a 1-9 shot should, but he still managed to get his picture taken in the $67,500 Speed to Spare Stakes at Northlands Park on Saturday. He paid $2.10 for his narrow win over Royal Warrior in the 1 3/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. There was no place or show wagering in the three-horse field.

With Keishan Balgobin riding, Killin Me Smalls won his last two starts in the Don Getty Handicap and Westerner Handicap by a combined 18 1/4 lengths. It looked as though he was on his way to another romp in the Speed to Spare when he was eight lengths in front after a mile in 1:40.72. However, his lead diminished to five lengths at the eighth pole and he was all-out to hold off the surging Royal Warrior. The final margin was a neck. Ready Intaglio never got involved while finishing 31 1/4 lengths behind Royal Warrior.

The final time was 2:21.45.

“After the first half-mile I was pretty confident he was going to win and he did get it done,” said Balgobin.

“Royal Warrior gave us a real scare,” said trainer Ernie Keller.

Keller said if all is well Killin Me Smalls would likely make his next start in the Grade 3, $150,000 Premier’s Stakes at Hastings on Oct. 9. He won the 1 3/8-mile race the past two years. The son of Marcavelly could close out the year in the $100,000 Harvest Plate on Oct. 22 at Century Downs. The seven-furlong sprint is the highlight of the inaugural meet at Century Downs, which begins Sept. 23.

“We’re looking at everything,” said Keller.

The $45,000 winner’s share brought his career earnings to $657,015. He is owned by Deltin Stable and Ed Welsh.

Shimshine draws clear in Birdcatcher Stakes

Leading rider Rico Walcott guided Shimshine to victory over Regal Max in the $65,651 Birdcatcher Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings. He paid $7.70 for his 2 1/2-length win over the favorite in the 6 1/2-furlong race.

With Regal Max inside of him, Shimshine sat just off Stripling Warrior and Star Czar, who dueled through the first quarter-mile in 23.22 seconds. Star Czar couldn’t keep up, and Walcott moved Shimshine into contention at the quarter pole. He engaged Stripling Warrior on the stretch turn, took control midstretch, and drew off late. Regal Max was moving with the winner but had to steady behind Stripling Warrior nearing the eighth pole. Kirwan’s Mountain rallied late to finish a head behind Regal Max.

Regal Max was ridden by Shamaree Muir.

“I just wanted to keep him close,” said Walcott. “I was in a nice position and I got the jump on Shamaree. I saw he had to steady and I knew I was in pretty good shape after that.”

The final time was 1:20.78.

The Alberta-bred son of Wilko is trained by Elige Bourne and owned by White Pine Ranch.