Lots of plotlines in Ky Alta

EDMONTON, Alberta - The Ky Alta, which will be featured at Northlands Park next Saturday, presents a number of interesting scenarios.

The Ky Alta, a $40,000 handicap for 3-year-olds, will revive the rivalry between Sid Gray's 2001 Alberta champion 2-year-old Dance Me Free and the runner-up in the voting, Crescent Remark.

Before Crescent Remark jumped up in the season finale to upset Dance Me Free in the $50,000 Canadian Juvenile, Dance Me Free had built up sufficient credits by sweeping the Edmonton Juvenile, Sales Stake, and Birdcatcher.

From outside the province, another major threat looms in the form of Alberta Derby winner Lord Shogun, who is among the

16 nominees for the 1 1/16-mile Ky Alta.

Lord Shogun returned to Hastings Park after his Calgary triumph, but it is apparent that his interests believe Alberta is ripe for another raid.

The Ky Alta is the next step on the road to the $150,000 Canadian Derby, the 1 3/8-mile race which is the highlight of the meeting here Aug. 24.

- Jim Dorman, a long-time superintendent of the jockeys' quarters before going back to his first love, training, has died at the age of 87.

- Gary Upshall, also a trainer here, died recently at 66. He also was active in the past as an exercise rider.