Krz Ruckus tries to prove turf prowess

FORT ERIE, Ontario - Woodbine-based Krz Ruckus has done a lot of winning in his career. The 8-year-old gelding has scored 15 times - all in sprints - and sports earnings of $1,057,054.

Only $2,427 of that amount was earned on the grass. Krz Ruckus was off the board in both of his attempts on the turf - once in 2000 and again in 2002.

On Sunday, Krz Ruckus will start in the Parnitha Cup, the first of two Fort Erie Cup races on the day, both of which are scheduled for five furlongs on the turf. The $30,000 Cup races are restricted to runners that have had a minimum of two starts at the meet.

"His form doesn't really show it," said Krz Ruckus's trainer, Mike DePaulo, "but Krz Ruckus can run on the grass. He got beat 2 1/4 lengths by Numerous Times in a prep for the [2002] Nearctic.

"He just doesn't like the Woodbine course because of the long stretch. It's a long, long way home. He won't mind this turf course at all."

Depaulo feels that Major Zee will be a threat. Major Zee, 12, won last year's edition of the Parnitha by a widening 3 3/4 lengths. He has a win and a second in two turf sprints this year.

Fire the Firm should be formidable. He's 2 for 3 in turf tries at the meet and was second in the other start.

The winner of the Aug. 7 Don Valliere Memorial, Ontario Road, is one of 14 entered in the Parnitha. Because of the short distance to the first turn the field is limited to 10 starters. Preference is given to the highest earners in 2004-2005.

Eleven fillies and mares were entered for the Fort Erie Slots Cup, the second half of the doubleheader.

Lindsey's Dove, 5, should receive the most attention in this race. Owned and trained by Paul Herrington, Lindsey's Dove has made eight starts on the local grass and won six of them. Monique Dionne, who was aboard for all of the wins, returns in the saddle.

The biggest obstacle to Lindsey's Dove appears to be Autumn Bliss, who has made only three starts in 2005. Autumn Bliss, owned and trained by Joan Mitchell, won her turf debut in her last start on July 26.