'Monarch' returns in easier spot

EDMONTON, Alberta - Sweet Monarch, who scratched out of last weekend's Wild Rose, runs in Friday's featured optional claiming event. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint has drawn a field of 10, including an Yves Trudel-trained entry of To Dream Again and Code's Decree.

Sweet Monarch ran second in both of her outings this year and has drawn the rail with Quincy Welch up.

To Dream Again, ridden by Desmond Bryan, has not been out of the top three in her last four starts, all for a $28,000 tag. She is coming off a pair of second-place finishes. To Dream Again was claimed from her last start off trainer Janet Wig.

To Dream Again's stablemate Code's Decree finished fourth in her last try June 20 and will compete against three who finished ahead of her in that race. That $35,000 optional claimer at six furlongs was won by Galaxy Belle, with Sweet Monarch second, and Catfish Alley third. Real Simard will ride Code's Decree.

Galaxy Belle will be making her third start of the year. She was a distant third in her first race of the year.

Catfish Alley drew the outside post in the full field, and will be ridden again by Leanne Painter.

Moe's Hoedown will have Mike Iammarino riding for the first time. Moe's Hoedown won her first start of the year, for a $28,000 tag, but has failed to hit the board since.

Rum Candi, with Peter Wong up, will be seeking her third victory of the campaign after winning for $22,000 and $28,000.

Completing the field are Jade Peony, Lakota Spirit, and Gleichen Reserve.