Krz Ruckus gets in light

FORT ERIE, Ontario - Trainer Mike DePaulo feels he has found the perfect spot for his crack sprinter, Krz Ruckus, in Tuesday's inaugural running of the $55,000-added Blazing Seven Stakes at Fort Erie.

The six-furlong event for 3-year-olds and up drew just four runners - probably because of the heavy hitters among the 34 nominations, which included Canadian champion Rare Friends. The other three runners entered are Golden Returns, Dreams Go Bye, and Deputy Chris C.

Krz Ruckus sat out the Bold Venture Handicap at Woodbine on July 20. "It was just 17 days after he won the Overskate Stakes," said DePaulo. "The only time he has run a poor race is when we ran him back in two weeks."

DePaulo is delighted about the 118 pounds to be carried by his runner, who will be making his fourth start of the year. "He hasn't carried that little for a long, long time," said DePaulo. (Krz Ruckus carried 117 on May 19, 2001.)

Krz Ruckus triumphed five times last year from nine attempts. His regular rider, Dino Luciani, will be aboard.

Golden Returns appears to be the main threat to Krz Ruckus. He finished third in his seasonal debut July 7 in a tough allowance race at Woodbine.

Golden Returns has visited Fort Erie three times and left a winner each time. Among his scores was the Expedite Plus Stakes last August. Ray Sabourin will ride.

Deputy Chris C. will be making his third start of the season. He won an allowance race in his opener and finished a close second to 2001 Fort Erie horse of the year, Deputy Carson in his latest.

Completing the field is Dreams Go Bye, a 4-year-old filly who has won five of 27 lifetime starts.

for entries.

Subscribers: to purchase Past Performances.

Non-subscribers: Click here to purchase Past Performances.