Littlemiss Allison must overcome post 9 to repeat in John Patrick Handicap

Speed, speed, and even more speed is lined up in the $50,000 John Patrick Handicap for fillies and mares at Northlands Park on Sunday. The one-mile feature drew nine horses and strategy will play a key role.

Littlemiss Allison, trained by Greg Tracy, got the worst of the draw in post 9. She likes to be involved early and with plenty of other speed drawn inside there is a good chance she will get hung out on the first turn.

Littlemiss Allison is coming off a game win by a neck in the $50,000 Wild Rose Handicap, where she battled every step of the way with Shakenewithanolive, who is also entered. Littlemiss Allison has won three of her five career starts at the distance and romped by 5 1/4 lengths in the John Patrick last year.

Anthony Salgado retains the mount.

Alywyn, trained by Jim Meyaard, has won her last six races and in most of her nine career wins she has been involved right from the start. She has won from a stalking position, however, and could get a dream trip behind what figures to be a torrid pace.

Notis Her ships in from Hastings, where she posted a sharp win over Smokin Danielle in $35,000 optional claiming sprint June 13 for trainer Barbara Heads. Notis Her won the 1 1/16-mile CTHS Sales Stakes last year and should appreciate the added distance.

“She is doing very well right now and I just hope she isn’t too sharp with all of the other speed in the field,” said Heads. “I couldn’t get a race for her at Hastings and this should help set her up for B.C. Cup Day.”