Knight Crossing the one to catch in Northlands sprint

Take your pick between Knight Crossing and Believe Too in a $20,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds that headlines Friday’s eight-race card at Northlands Park. Knight Crossing looks like the one they will have to catch, and Believe Too should be the one trying to mow him down in the 6 1/2-furlong dash that drew nine horses.

Knight Crossing should be favored. He is looking for his fourth straight win for leading trainer Greg Tracy and will be ridden by leading rider Rico Walcott.

Knight Crossing began his winning streak when he romped in a $20,000 maiden-claiming race Aug. 2. After his easy win, he was turned out for the rest of the year. In his first start as a sophomore, he also had an easy time, beating 3-year-olds and up in an abbreviated sprint for $15,000 conditional claimers May 1.

Showing he can carry his speed more than 3 1/2 furlongs, he again romped, this time by five lengths, when he won a $20,000 claiming race for his own age group going six furlongs May 22.

Knight Crossing drew post 6 and could be gone if he breaks on top.

Believe Too, making his first start for trainer Robertino Diodoro, will run in Canada for the first time. He is coming off a third-place finish in a $20,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds going six furlongs at Santa Anita for trainer Richard Baltas on May 30. He came from last to win a $25,000 claiming race for his own age group at Santa Anita on April 18, and there should be an honest pace for him to work with Friday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Knight Crossing (Last 3 Beyers: 61-65-42)

He’s been unbeatable since Tracy dropped him into a maiden-claiming race in his third start and could be tough to get past if he breaks on top.

Believe Too (Last 3 Beyers: 60-47-61)

He did show good speed when he won a $30,000 maiden-claiming race at Santa Anita in January, but he has been coming from well off the pace in his latest races. He could be dangerous if jockey Scott Williams can get him into the race earlier than usual.

Never Lose Hope (Last 3 Beyers: 43-40-53)

Trained by Craig Smith, he shouldn’t mind the move back to a sprint after finishing second in his first try at a middle distance. His only other loss in five starts came in the $50,000 Western Canada Handicap.