Next step following record run

CALGARY, Alberta - Howsitgoinghotshot makes his first start since equaling Stampede Park's six-furlong track record of 1:09.40, which has stood since 1981, when he faces six rivals in Friday's featured sixth race, a conditioned allowance.

Everything went right on May 18 for the 4-year-old Howsitgoinghotshot in the two-turn sprint. Rider Rico Walcott never left the rail with Howsitgoinghotshot the entire length of the backstretch while stalking a scorching pace.

When the front-running tandem of Cool Synsation and Summer Sensation tired and drifted out past the quarter pole, there was plenty of room and Howsitgoinghotshot willingly took advantage.

An elated trainer Kelly Robinson called it a "dream trip," an apt description of how events unfolded over a racing surface which lent itself to fast times.

Summer Sensation is back to prompt the pace in Friday's six-furlong feature. Rapid 'n Ready and Laketon, both coming off wins, also have speed.

Sparhawk, beaten a head by Candid Remark in a one-mile allowance on the same day Howsitgoinghotshot tied the course record, returns to sprinting and is another contender.

Hurricane Tiki, a closing third to Howsitgoinghotshot in his season's debut, and Woodbine invader Bad Hat, making his first start of the year off a string of solid works, round out the field.