'McDuff' steps up once again

EDMONTON, Alberta - Lead On McDuff will seek his third straight victory, and fourth in five races, when he heads a field of seven $17,500 claimers sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs here at Northlands Sunday. This race, for 3-year-olds, will go as the third on a seven-race card.

Lead On McDuff makes a move up the claiming ladder from the $12,000 level. Dating back to the spring meet at Stampede Park, when he won over $7,000 claimers, Lead On McDuff has won four races this season. Trainer Pam McDougall has given the return mount on Lead On McDuff to the meet's leading rider, Rickey Walcott.

One of Lead On McDuff's chief adversaries will be Light of Gold, who in his last start was reclaimed by trainer Sid Gray for $17,500. Light of Gold was third in that race to snap a winning streak of three that started at the $7,500 level. Stephan Heiler will ride Light of Gold, who has won five races in 2005.

Client Tension, with Perry Winters aboard, is coming off a runner-up finish at a mile for $17,500.

Maucho Magic, who defeated $25,000 claimers in July, makes his second start for trainer Robertino Diodoro since being claimed for $17,500. Quincy Welch will ride.

Cool Yer Boots makes his first start on the main circuit after winning four in a row at Lethbridge and Grand Prairie, including the Grand Prairie Derby.

Thisistheman, with Leanne Painter up, will go after his second victory on the year after winning for $15,000 two starts ago.