Legend Fortynine, Queenoftheforest get stakes wins

In a thrilling stretch duel, Legend Fortynine edged 4-5 favorite Capitalism by a nose in the $49,120 Three & Four Year Old Sales Stakes at Northlands Park on Wednesday. He paid $7.30 as the second choice in the 6 1/2-furlong stakes that drew seven horses.

With Scott Williams aboard, Legend Fortynine was sitting in a stalking position while Capitalism was forcing the early pace. He started to move into contention on the stretch turn, swung out five wide turning for home, and wore down Capitalism in the final stride. It was a very game effort by Capitalism. The 2-year-old champion in Alberta last year was making his first start as a sophomore. Extreme Denigry rallied to finish third.

The final time over a track rated fast was 1:18.48.

Legend Fortynine is trained by Dale Saunders.

“He hadn’t run that much this year, so I thought he might come up short,” said Saunders.

Earlier on the card, jockey Rico Walcott guided the heavily favored Queenoftheforest to a 5 1/2-length romp in the fillies’ division. She paid $2.60.
Setting interior fractions of 22.74 seconds and 46. 24 in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint, Queenoftheforest was in complete control from start to finish.

Almost Ninety came from well back to finish second. Ginger Smash made a strong bid on the stretch turn but tired late to finish third.
The final time was 1:18.56.

It was the third straight win for Queenoftheforest, who is trained by Greg Tracy.