Local races added to simulcast

EDMONTON, Alberta - Saturday's Breeders' Cup simulcasts from Santa Anita will have six local races dovetailed into the program.

The action begins with the Breeders' Cup Distaff at 11:20 a.m. local time, and the first Northlands event at noon.

This is the first time Northlands has inserted its own races among the Breeders' Cup races, rather than running its card after the simulcasts.

The highlight of the local races will be a $32,000 optional claimer/classified allowance, with a field of six older horses at a mile. Code Name Fred and Roll on Albion are the leading candidates.

Friday's nine-race card will feature an optional claimer/classified allowance at a mile for fillies and mares.

The race has a field of eight and will be the last opportunity for Alberta's 2002 champion mare, A Ray of Magic, to end a season-long drought. Sean Evans will ride Ray of Magic, who has been second three times this year.

Rick Hedge will send out an entry of Sundown Meg, who seeks her sixth victory of the campaign, and Kitscoty Klipper, a two-time winner who has placed twice in stakes races this season.

Top Stage Dancer, with Rickey Walcott up, will be making her second start at Northlands following a runner-up effort two weeks ago. She recently won the Matron at Assiniboia Downs and the Graceful Klinchit at Marquis Downs.