Little guys have their moments

EDMONTON, Alberta - With the stakes schedule approaching its final weeks, the stage was taken over by some of the lesser lights at Northlands Park last weekend.

Jiffyjimmygee completed a sweep of the ninth annual Hearts of Oak marathon series with a 5 1/4-length victory over Shady Remark in Friday's $19,800 finale at 1 5/8 miles. Jiffyjimmygee won the first of the two legs when he defeated Bue Moon by 3 3/4 lengths Aug. 26.

Both Jiffyjimmygee and Shady Remark have enjoyed their moments in the sun over the years. Jiffyjimmygee won the 2002 Alberta Premier's Futurity for 2-year-olds for Waymor Holdings, for whom he still races, but lost out in the voting for divisional champion that year to Taiaslew. Shady Remark also had success as a 2-year-old, when he was hailed as Alberta's 1997 champion after notable victories such as the Birdcatcher.

The weekend also saw Dignified Donovan score a 1 1/4-length victory in a $40,000 optional claimer at a mile in his first start since February. The victory served as a tune-up for a $25,000 race Oct. 14, which is for nonwinners of a sweepstakes in 2005.

Meanwhile, seven nominations, headed by three-time stakes winner Kaylee's Magic, were received for Saturday's $50,000 Freedom of the City for 2-year-old fillies.

There were only four nominees for the $75,000 Canadian Juvenile for male 2-year-olds here Oct. 10, led by Teagues Fight and Bell N' Gone.