Marco Be Good back quick in Wells

FORT ERIE, Ontario An intriguing renewal of the Prince of Wales Stakes is on tap here Sunday, but there also will be plenty of interest in two $50,000 stakes on the undercard.

The Daryl Wells Sr. Memorial and the Ernie Samuel Memorial, for fillies and mares, both are restricted to Canadian-breds and are scheduled for five furlongs of turf.

In the Daryl Wells Sr., five of the six runners have won over $200,000, leaving the outside runner Zarroc as the only pauper ($45,200) in the race.

Heading the field is last years winner, Marco Be Good, who will be returning to the races on only eight days rest.

In his most recent outing, which came over the Woodbine turf course, Marco Be Good dropped into a $40,000 claimer and defeated 12 rivals going 6 1/2 furlongs. David Clark will be aboard Sunday afternoon.

The husband-and-wife training team of Nick and Martha Gonzalez both commented on how well the 6-year-old Marco Be Good came out of his recent win.

He had a month off before his last race and came out of this one in top shape, said Martha. He is very good right now, and the short break between races should not bother him at all.

There is a fair amount of speed in the Wells Memorial, and Stonetowns inside post might give him an edge. In his only try on turf, Stonetown went wire to wire in a six-furlong $40,000 claimer. The tight turns at this oval could give Stonetown an added advantage if he can bring that same kind of quickness to this dash. Chris Griffith rides.

The other main contender is Neil the Knife. Jockey Eibar Coa, here from New York to rider Harlem Rocker in the Prince of Wales, has the call on the Desmond Maynard-trained gelding.

In the Samuel Memorial, a much different picture emerges as several of the nine runners look to have a winning chance.

Last years winner, Flashy Pink, has returned to defend her title and has been working fast. Flashy Pink comes off a six-week break and will need her best to repeat her longshot victory of last year. Dean Deverell will be aboard.

Sheba arrives from Woodbine, and this will be her first try over the Fort Erie turf course.

She has competitive early speed and gets the rail for this run. Her grass record of 3 for 5 in the money bodes well for her chances, and it will be interesting to see how she handles the tight turns here. Coa will be in the saddle.

Klissura, trained by Kevin Attard, could make her presence felt as she has been in the money three times in four outings on the grass. Her ability to lay close could pay dividends if a speed battle develops on the front end.

Archers Dream, with Emile Ramsammy aboard, also brings good speed to the mix.