'Magic' has hurdles to clear

EDMONTON, Alberta - Maucho Magic, coming off back-to-back victories, will be looking at a tougher assignment in the $32,000 optional claiming feature at one mile Sunday at Northlands Park.

Maucho Magic will be stretching out in distance after winning for $17,500 at six furlongs, then for $25,000 at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Maucho Magic, who won his maiden earlier this year against $12,000 company, gains the services of a new jockey in Real Simard. He is trained by Dale Saunders.

Also climbing the ladder is Frank'satschanks, whom trainer Wendy Kadar claimed for $17,500 from his last outing. Frank'satschanks won wire-to-wire by 9 3/4 lengths for Red Smith that day. He will have Quincy Welch aboard on Sunday.

Courtney Bay has the rail and Rickey Walcott up. He has been favored in all three of his races, with a win and a second to his credit.

Like Maucho Magic, Torch of Freedom left the maiden ranks three starts ago by wiring a field of $12,000 claimers. Trainer Rod Haynes will call upon Chris McGregor to ride.

Out Cattin has lit the board in five of his six starts this year, finishing third in his last three attempts. Gary Stein retains the mount.

Looking for their first wins of the campaign are Glens Friend, Northtown Will, Thisistheman, and Magic for Six.