Meet ends with mare vs. the boys

EDMONTON, Alberta - The 74-day Northlands season ends Sunday with a nine-race card.

The Thoroughbreds will not return until June 25, for a 70-day run. The 2004 opener will be a week later than usual because Stampede Park plans to extend its spring meet by a week in order to accommodate 47 racing dates.

Meanwhile, the racing fraternity is keenly awaiting Horse Racing Alberta's decision Oct. 31 on a 10-year racetrack license for Calgary, for which there are three applicants including incumbent Stampede Park.

Sunday's feature is a one-mile race for $17,500 claimers. Won Forceful Lady, a 6-year-old mare trained and co-owned by Rick Wise, challenges eight male runners in quest of her fifth victory of the year.

Regular rider Leanne Painter will be aboard Won Forceful Lady, who will carry a $22,000 claiming price under a special clause in the conditions.

Red Smith, who is about to be crowned leading trainer for the fourth straight year, will send out Intore, who is coming off a win at 6 1/2 furlongs for Sunday's price. Intore's rider will be Quincy Welch, the circuit's runaway champion for two straight years.

Dropping a notch from $20,000 company is the Stuart Simon-trained Beauzak, who won the Saskatchewan Derby last month and then was fourth in the restricted Beaufort on Alberta Fall Classics day.

Glance Remark has finished second in his last two route races, both for $17,500, and will have Rickey Walcott aboard.

Parlay's Prospect, from Dale Saunders's stable, has not been worse than third since he was claimed for $15,000 four starts ago.