Maiden race launch pad for 'Rocket'

EDMONTON, Alberta - Morocian Rocket, in the money in each of his three starts, has a good chance to break through Sunday at Northlands Park in a maiden special weights affair. Eight 2-year-olds meet in a 5 1/2-furlong sprint, which goes as the third of seven races.

Morocian Rocket, owned by trainer Don Gilkyson and Triple K Stables, has a second and a pair of thirds. He has shown early speed in each of his races, all under Perry Winters, who again will be at the controls.

Dakota Long Legs, a North Dakota-bred, is coming off a second-place finish in the North Dakota Futurity, a six-furlong race at Assiniboia Downs. Mike Iammarino will ride Dakota Long Legs for trainer Chad Torevell.

Alberta's Rose, who was scratched out of her scheduled start in last Saturday's Freedom of the City, has drawn the outside post. She was fourth in her only previous appearance. Ron Blinston will ride Alberta's Rose.

Also making his second start is Roy L City Slew, with Rojidan Ramirez aboard. Trained by Floyd Arthur, Roy L City Slew finished off the board for $25,000 here Sept. 30.

Genovia, trained by Greg Tracy, will break from the rail under Quincy Welch in his career debut.

Also racing for the first time are Napinowaan, an Illinois-bred who will be ridden by Leanne Painter; Loadedfortyfive, a British Columbia-bred who will have Rickey Walcott aboard; and Seaslastscore, a California-bred with Shannon Beauregard up.